The Valdivia culture originated centuries ago in the north shore of modern-day Ecuador. The Valdivia civilization developed sophisticated agriculture and pottery tools and techniques never seen before. In fact, the Valdivian culture is considered the first pottery-making civilization in the American continent. Among the many exquisite pieces recovered are the so-called Venuses, feminine figurines each with their own unique characteristics. These enigmatic figurines have specially captured the attention of the world and are a source of great debate among academics.

Click play to learn more about this fascinating ancient civilization who started the Latin American pottery-making tradition that lives on to our days.