In New Caledonia, there are about 150 identified sites which have petroglyphs. Among them is that of Katiramona, in Paita city. It is the closest visible site in Noumea.

 

The petroglyphs (derived from the Greek word "petros", stone, and "glyphein", engraving) continue to fascinate those who have the chance to admire it. If, in other countries, they regularly depict humans or animals, Caledonian petroglyphs have the distinction of being exclusively geometric. Spirals, crosses, circles, stars, lines and polygons are another form of drawings whose meaning continues to elude researchers worldwide.

The Katiramona petroglyphs at Païta do not escape this mysterious feature even though the dating is still somewhat imprecise. To see the Katiramona petroglyphs, one should stop at the bottom of the descent of the pass, towards Paita. Concrete stairs provide access to the site. Once there, keep a watchful eye! The petroglyphs were indeed carved from rocks, regularly covered now with moss and other vegetation. But once distinguished, the motif will awaken a singular emotion in you: being able to touch the lines engraved by the ancestors.