Maria Reiche

Born in Dresden, Germany, Maria Reiche's early life gave no indication she would become synonymous with ancient Peruvian geoglyphs. She studied mathematics, astronomy, and geography at the Dresden University of Technology, later moving to Peru in 1932 to work as a governess and then a teacher. Her intellectual curiosity, however, quickly gravitated toward the country's rich archaeological heritage.

Reiche's life took a definitive turn when she began assisting American historian Paul Kosok with his research on the Nazca Lines in 1940. She soon took over the monumental task herself, meticulously mapping, measuring, and protecting these colossal desert etchings. For over 50 years, often living in a small hut near the Nazca plain, she was the lines' most ardent advocate, earning her the affectionate moniker "Lady of the Lines."

Despite her dedication to Peruvian heritage, there's no indication Maria Reiche had any Jewish ancestry or identified with the Jewish faith. Her work was purely scientific and cultural, focused on understanding the purpose and methods behind the ancient Nazca people's extraordinary artistic endeavors.

Her tireless efforts, which included flying over the lines in a small plane to create accurate surveys and campaigning for their preservation, were instrumental in ensuring the Nazca Lines received international recognition and protection. For this, she's certainly worthy of kvell, even if her connection to the tribe was, shall we say, geometrically impossible.