Old and modern volcanic depictions as evidence of communities-volcanoes mutualism in Colombia

Abstract

Studying the different ways in which the concept of volcanism is represented is crucial in the understanding of communities’ perception of the volcanic phenomena. In this contribution, 129 modern (2021-2023) depictions of volcanoes in Colombia between latitudes 0.82 and 5.96° N are described and classified into different contexts of use. Prehispanic depictions of volcanism are investigated in rock art sites (3 pictographs and 33 petroglyphs), and 15 distinct mythical narratives compiled and confirmed through interviews in the State of Nariño. We suggest that many of the rock art sites contain motifs that are reminiscent of the idea of volcanism, and that many of the folk tales include allusions to the volcanic concept. By collating the information contained in modern and older depictions, a link is established with the reality of the volcanic phenomena that shows how mutualism takes root between communities and volcanoes. The beneficial aspects derived from this relationship influence the perception of volcanic hazards in the region.