Guyana: Shea Rock is a granite rock rising 676 feet above the grasslands of the South Rupununi in Guyana. The distinct rock outcrop is of great prominence in the lives of the Wapishana indigenous community, which is situated around Shea Rock.
They are the ones who christened it, ‘Shea’, which translates to ‘swelling.’ Several legends surround the rock. Some say that many years ago there was an epidemic in the region, and sacrifices were made to the mountain in an effort to curtail the illnesses.
The Shea Rock is a mountain peak in South Rupununi, Guyana. There are many stories that surround this mysterious rock formation. It has historically been a sacred place for the Wapishiana nation. The early settlers in the area coined the name the “Shea” (or “Swelling” when translated to modern English) rock.
This special place has historically been a sacred place for the Wapishiana nation. The early settlers in the area give it the name the “Shea” or “Swelling”. This is just one of many sacred places in Guyana surrounded by mystery and stories and magic.
It has historically been a sacred place for the Wapishiana nation. The early settlers in the area coined the name the “Shea” (or “Swelling” when translated to modern English) rock. According to the village captain of Shea village of Guyana, many years ago, there was an epidemic (that caused severe swelling of the limbs) and human sacrifices were made to the mountain in an effort to curb the illnesses.
Other accounts indicate that early hunters in the area used the rock as a hunting tool. The hunters would drive flocks of animals to the edge of the mountain and the animals would fall.
“Shea Rock is a 676 ft / 206 m mountain peak in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Guyana. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 41st highest mountain in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo and the 138th highest mountain in Guyana. The nearest peaks are Wiwitau Mountain, Kalishadaker Mountain, Tamboro Mountain, Kuddewaitau Mountain, Darukoban Mountain, and Makawatta Mountain in Guyana.”
The start to the story of how Shea rock came about as told by Raymond Simon: A very long time ago, there lived a happy family who had a healthy little son. One day, his parents went to the farm to take out cassava roots. They took their little son with them. The little boy played on top of the cassava roots while his parents worked nearby. When they had taken out enough cassava roots, the returned to their farmhouse. Suddenly, the little boy took ill. His entire body began to swell.
Shea Rock, commonly referred to as Shea Mountain, is an extremely large rock found in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Rupununi district in the small Amerindian community of Shea in Guyana. The small mountain measures 200 metres (676 feet) at its highest peak and is approximately 304.8 metres (1000 feet) above the savannah. The rock is considered a sacred shrine within the Amerindian community. Located to the north of the mountain is a religious ritual site and on its eastern side, a large rock shelter can be found.
Shea Rock is a mammoth granite feature rising 676 feet above the grasslands of the South Rupununi. The distinct rock outcrop is of great prominence in the lives of the Wapishana indigenous community, which is situated around Shea Rock. They are the ones who christened it, ‘Shea’, which translates to ‘swelling.’ Several legends surround the rock. Some say that many years ago there was an epidemic in the region, and sacrifices were made to the mountain in an effort to curtail the illnesses.
