Part 2/11:
At the heart of the narrative is a remarkable sculpted boulder made of andesite, a volcanic rock ranking 7 out of 10 on the hardness scale (similar to some of the toughest stones used in ancient constructions). The surface of this massive stone features over 200 carved animal representations, along with terraces, waterways, and other features, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship.
Crucially, because of the stone's hardness, scholars believe it could not have been carved by the Inca, a Bronze Age civilization known for supporting large stone structures but not for working with such hard materials. This implies the carvings and the stone itself predate Inca civilization, potentially pointing to a megalithic, pre-Inca culture with advanced stoneworking techniques.