Archaeology

It seems that due to the geographical location the area of the present-day Iwokrama Forest was central in cultural distribution in pre-Columbian times. It also seems to have been an area of congregation of historical people because of factors such as water levels and tribal migrations.

There is evidence of human living in the Forest, but so far there has been very limited archaeological work. The only survey done was limited to main riverain areas and established the location of many petroglyphs. Other petroglyphs have been noted within the Forest but have not yet been systematically catalogued.

There is a strong oral record of human occupancy within the area. The oral history has preserved many stories and deep rooted cultural beliefs about the Iwokrama Mountains.

The oral record is confirmed by plant and other collectors and the zoning inventory teams who noted evidence of stone tools and other signs of human occupation within several areas of the Forest. The location of palm stands in well-defined areas of the Forest also suggests past human influences.