UNSOLVED MYSTERIES

		*Fertility symbolism from Pre-Colombia*
		In Colombia, numerous unusual discoveries were made about surprising biological knowledge. Scientists attribute this knowledge to the ancestors of the Muisca or Chibcha. They once lived in the savannah of Bogotá. Up to 7 metre high monoliths in phallic form were part of an astronomical centre 3000 years ago. They are also symbols of fertility and life. Many more sculptures were found in this region. They show motifs which, from an anthropological perspective, were the focus of cultic fertility ceremonies and the worship of mother deities.

		*The “embryological disc”*
		The “embryological disc” is one of the most interesting pieces from South America. The front and back show relief-type image symbols. One thesis states that they show the evolution from an amphibian to a human. Medical experts agree: Decisive developmental stages of human life can be identified. The eyes, which lie far to the outside with all head structures, and the wide nose segment speak in favour of this. These features are characteristic for an early embryonic head structure. But from what time is the disc? Geologists at the University of Bogotá date it to a prehistoric epoch. The most recent examinations were unable to find evidence of faking. Could the strange find come from a lost advanced culture? Was their knowledge equal to ours?

		*Birthing instruments and fertility stones*
		The perfect form of a miniature sculpture from black stone is baffling: A figure sits in a type of “easy chair”. The scene reminds us of a visit to the dentist. Indeed, many relics actually prove the good medical knowledge of Pre-Colombian peoples with detailed images. A stone spoon shows the head of a child appearing during birth. And the images on a knife are even more striking. It may have been used for Caesarean sections. Or does the handle show how a foetus’ umbilical cord is cut? Final clarity about the origins and meaning of these finds can be brought only by further scientific research.