The mystery of a giant figure

The 4.2km (2.5 miles) tall figure, on a remote plateau in South Australia, is often thought to depict an Aboriginal hunter.

Dubbed Marree Man after a nearby town, it is one of the world’s largest designs to be etched into the ground.

It has been a subject of fascination since its discovery in the desert about 700km north of Adelaide.

It has gained popularity on tourism flights because it is too large to be viewed from the ground.

But mystery surrounds who created it – and why.

Dick Smith, an Australian entrepreneur, offered  $5,000 Australian dollar (£2,800; $3,700) reward for any information about the artwork’s origins

He said on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Monday. “How has it been kept secret for 20 years?”

Marree publican Phil Turner says he is convinced that its creator, or creators, were “professionals” who possibly used GPS technology.

“If you didn’t have the co-ordinates, you would have no idea if you were standing in his left toe or his elbow. Considering GPS technology was in its infancy at the time, it is an absolutely remarkable feat.”

Mr Smith agrees, telling the ABC: “There were no mistakes, it was very professionally done.

Taken from: BBC News