For a long time these objects were a mystery. They were often seen as part of a keel or as oars. However, a find by the German archaeologist Max Uhle at the end of the 19th century seems to suggest that they were marking stelae for burial sites. They could also be artistically decorated digging sticks (a kind of wooden spade for cultivating the soil), which were used exclusively for ritual purposes. In ancient Peru, deceased persons were called mallki, seed. Death was necessary so that new life could be created. In this respect, there would be a relationship between death and the digging stick as a sign of agriculture, fertility and food. The objects were mostly decorated with carved representations of birds and religious dignitaries. These carvings were often painted red.