Chavín de Huántar: Difference between revisions
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⚫ | '''Chavíngsidygciewgcisvduycwuakvcuyaliwegckeushe city's location at the headwaters of the [[Marañón River]], between the coast and the jungle, made it an ideal location for the dissemination and collection of both ideas and material goods. This archeological site is a large ceremonial center that has revealed a great deal about the Chavín culture. Chavín de Huántar served as a gathering place for people of the region to come together and worship.<ref name="Sphere of Influence">Burger, Richard L. 2008 "Chavin de Huantar and its Sphere of Influence", In ''Handbook of South American Archeology'', edited by H. Silverman and W. Isbell. New York: Springer, pp. 681–706.</ref> The transformation of the center into a valley-dominating monument had a complex effect; it became a pan-regional place of importance. People went to Chavin de Huantar as a center: to attend and participate in rituals, consult an oracle, or enter a cult.<ref name="building authority">Kembel, Silvia Rodriquez and John W. Rick. 2004 "Building Authority at Chavin de Huantar: Models of Social Organization and Development in the Initial Period and Early Horizon", in ''Andean Archaeology''. Malden, MA: [[Blackwell Publishing]]</ref> |
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'''Chavín de Huántar''' is an [[archaeological site]] in [[Peru]], containing ruins and artifacts constructed beginning at least by 1200 BCE and occupied by later cultures until around 400–500 BCE by the [[Chavín culture|Chavín]], a major pre-[[Inca]] culture. The site is located in the [[Ancash Region]], {{convert|250|km|sp=us}} north of [[Lima]], at an elevation of {{convert|3180|m|sp=us}}, east of the [[Cordillera Blanca]] at the start of the [[Conchucos Valley]]. Chavín de Huántar has been designated a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]. Some of the Chavín relics from this archaeological site are on display in the [[Museo de la Nación]] in Lima and the [[Museo Nacional de Chavín]] in Chavin itself. |
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Findings at Chavín de Huántar indicate that social instability and upheaval began to occur between 500 and 300 BCE, at the same time that the larger Chavín civilization began to decline. Large ceremonial sites were abandoned, some unfinished, and were replaced by villages and agricultural land. At Chavín de Huántar, no later than 500 BCE, a small village replaced the Circular Plaza. The plaza was occupied by a succession of cultural groups, and residents salvaged building stones and stone carvings to use in house walls. Multiple occupation floors indicate the village was continuously occupied through the 1940s. |
Findings at Chavín de Huántar indicate that social instability and upheaval began to occur between 500 and 300 BCE, at the same time that the larger Chavín civilization began to decline. Large ceremonial sites were abandoned, some unfinished, and were replaced by villages and agricultural land. At Chavín de Huántar, no later than 500 BCE, a small village replaced the Circular Plaza. The plaza was occupied by a succession of cultural groups, and residents salvaged building stones and stone carvings to use in house walls. Multiple occupation floors indicate the village was continuously occupied through the 1940s. |
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== Site description == |
== Site description == |
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The Chavin civilization was centered on the site of Chavin de Huantar, the religious center of the Chavin people and the capital of the Chavin culture. The temple is a massive [[Frustum|flat-topped pyramid]] surrounded by lower platforms. It is a U-shaped plaza with a sunken circular court in the center. The inside of the temple walls are decorated with sculptures and carvings. Chavin de Huantar was constructed over many stages starting prior to 1200 BCE, with most major construction over by 750 BCE. The site continued in use as a ceremonial center until around 500 BCE, but prior to 400 BCE its primary religious function had ceased, and the site was occupied by casual residents of the highly distinct cultural tradition, Huaraz. During its heyday, Chavin de Huantar was used as a religious center for ceremonies and events, |
The Chavin civilization was centered on the site of Chavin de Huantar, the religious center of the Chavin people and the capital of the Chavin culture. The temple is a massive [[Frustum|flat-topped pyramid]] surrounded by lower platforms. It is a U-shaped plaza with a sunken circular court in the center. The inside of the temple walls are decorated with sculptures and carvings. Chavin de Huantar was constructed over many stages starting prior to 1200 BCE, with most major construction over by 750 BCE. The site continued in use as a ceremonial center until around 500 BCE, but prior to 400 BCE its primary religious function had ceased, and the site was occupied by casual residents of the highly distinct cultural tradition, Huaraz. During its heyday, Chavin de Huantar was used as a religious center for ceremonies and events,hi my name is bob yall are gay |
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[[Image:Chavin circular plaza cyark.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Circular Plaza at Chavín in 2005.]] |
[[Image:Chavin circular plaza cyark.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Circular Plaza at Chavín in 2005.]] |
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[[Image:Chavin lanzon stela cyark.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Lanzón Stela at Chavín, still image from a video of a photo-textured [[point cloud]] using [[3D scanner|laser scan]] data collected by nonprofit [[CyArk]].]] |
[[Image:Chavin lanzon stela cyark.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Lanzón Stela at Chavín, still image from a video of a photo-textured [[point cloud]] using [[3D scanner|laser scan]] data collected by nonprofit [[CyArk]].]] |
Revision as of 18:20, 9 October 2019
Overview of Chavín de Huantar | |
Location | Ancash Region, Peru |
---|---|
Coordinates | 9°35′34″S 77°10′42″W / 9.59278°S 77.17833°W |
Height | 3,180 metres (10,430 ft) |
History | |
Founded | Before 1200 BCE |
Cultures | Chavín civilization |
Site notes | |
Official name | Chavin (Archaeological Site) |
Criteria | Cultural: (iii) |
Reference | 330 |
Inscription | 1985 (9th Session) |
Area | 14.79 ha (1,592,000 sq ft) |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Chavin_-_Ao%C3%BBt_2007.jpg/260px-Chavin_-_Ao%C3%BBt_2007.jpg)
Chavíngsidygciewgcisvduycwuakvcuyaliwegckeushe city's location at the headwaters of the Marañón River, between the coast and the jungle, made it an ideal location for the dissemination and collection of both ideas and material goods. This archeological site is a large ceremonial center that has revealed a great deal about the Chavín culture. Chavín de Huántar served as a gathering place for people of the region to come together and worship.[1] The transformation of the center into a valley-dominating monument had a complex effect; it became a pan-regional place of importance. People went to Chavin de Huantar as a center: to attend and participate in rituals, consult an oracle, or enter a cult.[2]
Findings at Chavín de Huántar indicate that social instability and upheaval began to occur between 500 and 300 BCE, at the same time that the larger Chavín civilization began to decline. Large ceremonial sites were abandoned, some unfinished, and were replaced by villages and agricultural land. At Chavín de Huántar, no later than 500 BCE, a small village replaced the Circular Plaza. The plaza was occupied by a succession of cultural groups, and residents salvaged building stones and stone carvings to use in house walls. Multiple occupation floors indicate the village was continuously occupied through the 1940s.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Chavin-small.png/250px-Chavin-small.png)
Site description
The Chavin civilization was centered on the site of Chavin de Huantar, the religious center of the Chavin people and the capital of the Chavin culture. The temple is a massive flat-topped pyramid surrounded by lower platforms. It is a U-shaped plaza with a sunken circular court in the center. The inside of the temple walls are decorated with sculptures and carvings. Chavin de Huantar was constructed over many stages starting prior to 1200 BCE, with most major construction over by 750 BCE. The site continued in use as a ceremonial center until around 500 BCE, but prior to 400 BCE its primary religious function had ceased, and the site was occupied by casual residents of the highly distinct cultural tradition, Huaraz. During its heyday, Chavin de Huantar was used as a religious center for ceremonies and events,hi my name is bob yall are gay
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Chavin_circular_plaza_cyark.jpg/250px-Chavin_circular_plaza_cyark.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Chavin_lanzon_stela_cyark.jpg/250px-Chavin_lanzon_stela_cyark.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Estela.jpg/250px-Estela.jpg)
The "Circular Plaza" appears to have been a sacred and ritually important open-air space within a ceremonial center. Prior to 800–700 BCE, this location had a number of functions, including serving as an atrium for entering Temple A through the temple's north staircase. The plaza in the classic period, after 700 BCE, is bounded on three sides by major Temples A, B, and C. The plaza is perfectly circular and is close to 20 metres (66 ft) in diameter, with a floor consisted of pillow-shaped pavers of yellow diatomite. It appears that a center line of black limestone blocks runs on its architectural east-west axis. Walls of the plaza were constructed of cut stone, principally granite, laid in courses of varying width. The two broadest courses were carved in arcs closest to the western staircase and in two pairs of terminal stones flanking the eastern staircase.
The "Old Temple", dating from the early site's history, was an inward-facing structure composed primarily of passageways built around a circular courtyard. The structure contained obelisks and stone monuments with relief carvings depicting jaguars, caimans, and other forms with anthropomorphic features. The Lanzón Gallery, located at the very center, contained a sculpture of the Lanzón, which is assumed to be a supreme deity of Chavín de Huántar. The figure is anthropomorphic, with a feline head and human body. Mortars, pestles, conch-shell trumpets, and many other items have also been found. Many of these artifacts have an anthropomorphic design or decoration and are thought to be associated with Chavín rituals.
The "New Temple", constructed between 500 and 200 BCE, is also based on a gallery and plaza design and contained many relief sculptures. The Lanzon deity is also present, holding a strombus shell in the right hand while the left hand holds a Spondylus shell.
The architectural design of Chavín de Huántar changed over time as an old temple development was added to with a new temple. Changes were more complex than in one stage of renovation. Smaller renovations happened consistently over the Chavín horizon ending by about 500 BCE when the new temple was completed. With the simpler design of the old temple, Chavín de Huántar followed the U-shaped ceremonial center design accompanied by a sunken circular plaza. After the new temple was complete, Chavín de Huántar still embodied a U-shaped ceremonial center design. The renovations enlarged the site considerably and added a larger sunken rectangular plaza. The main objective of the renovations appears to be based on enabling more people to gather in one place, as the site in general expanded.[1]
Excavation of burial sites gave evidence of a small elite class whose tombs contained elaborate burial goods, consisting of precious metals, colorful textiles, and other valuables. Most burials were simpler, with bodies interred in shallow pits with cotton clothing and a simple tool kit.
Local style in art and decoration included scrolls, simple curves, straight lines, and images of wild animals. Chavín sculpture is usually of white granite and black limestone. Carved stone mortars and pestles, conch-shell trumpets, bone tubes and spatulas, and metal spatulas and spoons were found decorated in Chavín style as were various textiles including tapestries. Pottery was found in a wide variety of forms, including bottles and bowls, decorated with a wider range of distinctive elements.
Site significance
The site was described by Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello as “the birthplace of South American culture,”[3] in recognition of its geographical and religious significance as a center of power for the Chavín culture. Chavín de Huántar is located north of modern day Lima at the confluence of two rivers: the Mosna river and the Huanchecsa river. As a result this site allows for easy transportation and, at the same time, limited access to outsiders. Chavín de Huántar itself is located on a lowland valley where the two rivers merge and high altitude valleys are located nearby. Consequently, the people at Chavín de Huántar were able to cultivate lowland crops such as maize and high altitude crops such as potatoes. The people were also domesticating llamas in the high altitude areas for food and as a means to carrying heavy loads on the steep slopes of the hills.
The religious significance of Chavín de Huántar depends upon the geography of the site. The confluence of two large rivers has shown religious significance in past cultures, and thus it makes sense that the location of Chavín de Huántar was utilized as a religious ceremonial center. The confluence of two rivers is referred to as tinkuy, which can be defined as the harmonious meeting of opposing forces. It has been suggested that Chavin de Huantar served as the meeting place of the natural and cosmic forces. The area is known to have natural hot springs as well as an awe-inspiring view of the Wantsan peak which could both add to religious significance of the site.[1]
Early religious practices
It is still generally debated by archeologists about what religious practices occurred during the peak period at Chavín de Huántar. Though through archaeological findings some theories have come about.[4] In the 70s Luis Lumbreras visited the site and learned some of the oral history from the locals. The locals believe the word Chavín comes from the Quechua word, chaupin, meaning center. Thus showing its significance to the local surrounding communities at the time. After investigation at the site, Lumbreas theorized that the ritual may have been formed by elites in the communities. He also believed that they may have manipulated followers to the temple in order to maintain a constant structure. In the early 2000s John Rick[5] and his team from Stanford came to similar conclusions. Rick theorizes that the higher-ups (typically priests) at the temple would used deliberate techniques, material goods, and intricate architectural feature to manipulate and gain followers. These theories could be evidence that the temple and the priests in it carried much power over local communities during its heyday.[6]
Present
Beginning in 2004, Global Heritage Fund (GHF) began conservation work at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to GHF, their work has involved:
stabilizing primary monuments, repairing underground structures, documenting the site with high precision instruments, locating underground structures with non-intrusive technologies, revealing, assessing and when appropriate removing post-Chavín structures to reveal original architecture; cataloguing (sic) artifacts, and improving site interpretation facilities, while the local community is engaged through conservation and craft training, employment, tourism entrepreneurship and regular consultations regarding the management of the site and its environs."[7]
John Rick of Stanford University has studied the site with laser scanning in an attempt to determine whether it was "planned by an elite or had resulted from some grassroots religious fervor."[8] Because details such as stair placement remain constant throughout generations of builders, the site may be a very early example of the use of a standardized building code.[8]
CyArk has made a slideshow, maps, and 3-D multimedia presentations about Chavín de Huántar available, based on its 2005–2006 laser scanning and digital preservation project.[9][10]
In 2018, Rick's group used four-wheel-drive robots to search the temple and discovered 30 tunnels as well as the graves of several people buried under rocks, though further research was needed in regards to the bodies.[11]
See also
- Iperu, tourist information and assistance
- Operation Chavín de Huántar, said to be named by President Alberto Fujimori for the operations use of tunnels like the passageways of Huántar
- Tourism in Peru
- List of oldest buildings in the Americas
- List of archaeological sites in Peru
References
- ^ a b c Burger, Richard L. 2008 "Chavin de Huantar and its Sphere of Influence", In Handbook of South American Archeology, edited by H. Silverman and W. Isbell. New York: Springer, pp. 681–706.
- ^ "Visiting Chavín de Huántar - Horizon Guides". horizontravelpress.com. Retrieved 2019-05-07.
- ^ Lumbreras, Luis. G. (1989). "Chavín de Huántar en el nacimiento de la civilización andina". Lima, Instituto Andino de Estudios Arqueológicos.
- ^ Rick, John (2005). "The Evolution of Authority and Power at Chavin de Huantar, Peru". Archeological Papers of the American Anthropological Association. 14: 71–89.
- ^ Sayre, Matthew Paul (2010). "Life Across the River: Agricultural, Ritual, and Production Practices at Chavin de Huantar, Peru". PhD diss., UC Berkeley.
- ^ Global Heritage Fund (GHF) - Where We Work Archived April 11, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Accessed on 2009-04-28.
- ^ a b Abate, Tom (2007-07-22). "Laser mapping tool traces ancient sites – Device made for contractors helps archaeologists create first-ever digital blueprints". SFGate – Innovations. Retrieved 2014-10-11.
- ^ "Chavín de Huántar Slideshow Introduction". CyArk. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
- ^ Risvetski, John (2006). "Laser Scanning for Cultural Heritage Applications". Professional Surveyor Magazine. No. March. Retrieved 2014-10-11.
- ^ Saraceni, Jessica E. "Burials Discovered in Temple at Peru's Chavin de Huantar". Archaeology. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
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Further reading
- Mann, Charles C. (July 2011). "Writing, Wheels, and Bucket Brigades". 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus (2nd ed.). New York: Vintage Books. pp. 273–274. ISBN 978-1-4000-3205-1.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Chavin de Huantar: Organ World's largest and oldest?
- Exploring Chavín de Huántar
- Chavín de Huántar Digital Media Archive (creative commons-licensed photos, laser scans, panoramas), data from a Stanford University/CyArk research partnership (see Exploring Chavín de Huántar link above for additional contextual information)
- Chavín de Huántar project summary at Global Heritage Fund
- Explore Chavín de Huántar on Global Heritage Network
- MNSU Chavín de Huántar