Case file · Sacred site
Cerro Autana, the stump of the tree of life
The Piaroa call the tepui Wahari-Kuawai and tell that it is the stump of a cosmic tree whose fruits gave life to the forest, felled by the creator Wahari and his nephew. In 1970 Charles Brewer-Carías and David Nott landed on top by helicopter and roped into the cave that pierces the mountain.
1970 CE · 4.86, -67.45 · status: account
The account
The cave, a quartzite tunnel open on both sides of the peak, was where the mineral sveite was first collected. Humboldt and Bonpland passed through the region in 1800; the summit was first climbed in 1974.