Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a rare clay figurine depicting two fused toads at the ancient city of Vichama, part of the Caral archaeological zone. The unbaked clay piece measures about 12 cm (4.7 in) and shows two small frogs or toads joined at their hind legs. This is the first discovery of such a figurine not only in Vichama but across all Caral sites.
Symbol of Water and Life
In ancient Andean civilizations, toads symbolized water, the arrival of rain, and new life. They often appeared on mudbrick friezes and artworks in Vichama. Toad remains have also been found in ritual settings, tied with reeds or inserted into tupu pins. This figurine of twin toads reinforces the symbolic narratives preserved in Vichama’s mural reliefs.
Vichama Amid Climate Crisis
Vichama was a major urban center of the Norte Chico culture, located on a 76-meter-high hill less than a mile from the Pacific coast, along the Huaura River. It flourished between 1800 and 1500 BCE, during decades of severe drought and famine. While Caral, the capital, was abandoned due to climate collapse, Vichama endured thanks to farming and fishing along the river’s fertile banks. Archaeologists have documented 28 buildings from this period, including large public structures, plazas, and residential quarters.
Miniature Models of Urban Design
Excavations also revealed two unbaked clay models of buildings, remarkable examples of early urban planning. These miniature constructions demonstrate both the technical knowledge of Vichama’s builders and the symbolic importance of transmitting principles of social and territorial organization.
