In the central highlands of Papua New Guinea, remote explorer Gary Eastman has made a striking discovery using Google Earth Pro—an enormous bas-relief of a Cockatoo carved into the mountainside. Measuring approximately 40 meters wide and 80 meters tall, this geoglyph depicts the bird standing and facing left, with visible traces of color, including a distinctive blue bill. The bas-relief is expertly carved, suggesting a high degree of skill in stone working, a craft practiced by early Papua New Guinea indigenous peoples. This carving is so vast that it can only be fully appreciated from an aerial viewpoint.

The Cockatoo is a significant bird in the region, known for its presence in Papua New Guinea's diverse fauna. The representation of this bird in such a monumental form raises intriguing possibilities about its importance to the region's early inhabitants. While the exact purpose of the geoglyph remains unknown, it could have served a ceremonial or symbolic function, perhaps linked to the bird's role in local culture or mythology.

Stone working has been a critical part of indigenous Papua New Guinean culture for millennia. While many tribes in Papua New Guinea are renowned for their wood-carving skills, particularly in coastal and riverine areas, there is also a history of stone tool production and use, especially in the highlands. Stone axes and tools have been found throughout the region, evidence of an ancient tradition of shaping stone for practical and ritual purposes. The level of detail in this Cockatoo bas-relief suggests that the creators had an advanced understanding of stone-working and large-scale artistic representation.

This discovery holds potential cultural significance for the indigenous peoples of Papua New Guinea today. It could inspire efforts to explore and preserve other archaeological features hidden within the island's dense, often inaccessible terrain. For local communities, reconnecting with such a rich heritage can foster a deeper appreciation of their ancestors' achievements and resilience. Additionally, documenting and preserving this geoglyph may help raise awareness of the importance of protecting cultural landmarks across the region.

The central highland tribes of Papua New Guinea have a long history of survival and adaptation in some of the most rugged and isolated environments on earth. Their skills in agriculture, stone tool-making, and trade networks allowed them to thrive in these remote regions. This newly revealed Cockatoo geoglyph may represent a previously unknown facet of their cultural expression, offering a window into their connection with the land and the creatures that inhabit it.