DOCUMENTAL E INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE LA ARQUITECTURA CHAVÍN

Summary

In 1919, archaeologist Julio César Tello uncovered Chavín de Huántar, an ancient Peruvian site regarded as the birthplace of Andean civilization. The Chavín culture's influence spanned from the coast to the sierra, with impressive architectural feats like the Old and New Temples, featuring intricate carvings and hydraulic systems. The site revealed advanced technologies, including subterranean galleries that mimicked jaguar sounds, and significant burial discoveries, such as deformed skulls. Chavín's impressive engineering, religious art, and cultural legacy continue to intrigue, highlighting the need for greater preservation of this ancient heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Julio César Tello, known as the father of Peruvian archaeology, discovered Chavín in 1919 and labeled it as the mother culture of Peru.
• 😀 The Chavín culture expanded across the coastal and highland regions of Peru, with significant influence in the departments of La Libertad, Lima, and Áncash.
• 😀 Chavín's territory stretched from Lambayeque to Ica along the coast, and from Cajamarca to Ayacucho in the highlands.
• 😀 The Chavín temple complex includes the 'new temple' (Templo Nuevo) and the 'old temple' (Templo Viejo), featuring structures like the Tello pyramid and a circular sunken plaza.
• 😀 The Templo Viejo was constructed between 1500 and 1300 BC, decorated with cornices, friezes, and images of gods like the smiling deity, found in the Lanzón Monolithic sculpture.
• 😀 The Templo Nuevo was built around 1800 BC and features a grand façade and the prominent Raimondi Stela, depicting a hybrid god with scepters.
• 😀 Underground galleries within the temple complex were designed to generate sounds resembling jaguars, created through a sophisticated system of underground water channels.
• 😀 Chavín construction involved a solid fill of clay and stones, with stone walls built around it, showcasing advanced engineering techniques.
• 😀 Chavín de Huántar is a monumental site, known for its remarkable architecture and hydraulic engineering, dating back over 3,300 years.
• 😀 Excavations at Chavín have uncovered important human remains, including a male adult and a child, offering valuable insights into the culture and burial practices.
• 😀 Despite the cultural significance of Chavín, there is a lack of widespread awareness regarding the importance of preserving the archaeological site and its heritage.

Q & A

Who is credited with the discovery of Chavín and when did it happen?

Julio César Tello, an archaeologist and researcher, is credited with the discovery of Chavín in 1919.

What does Tello refer to Chavín as, and why?

Tello referred to Chavín as the 'matrix culture' of Peru because of its foundational role in shaping the culture and development of ancient Peru.

What geographical regions did the Chavín culture occupy?

The Chavín culture expanded across the Peruvian coast and highlands, with significant influence in the regions of La Libertad, Lima, and Áncash, particularly between the rivers Huaraz and Conchucos.

What are the key structures found at the Chavín site?

Key structures include the Old Temple, the New Temple, the Tello Pyramid, the circular sunken plaza, and the Portal of the Sunken Plaza, among others.

What is the significance of the Tello Pyramid?

The Tello Pyramid is a major feature located between the Old and New Temples and holds archaeological importance as part of the Chavín site layout.

When was the construction of the Old Temple of Chavín completed, and what did it feature?

The Old Temple was constructed between 1500 BCE and 1300 BCE and was decorated with cornices, lintels, friezes, and sculptures representing gods that ruled Chavín, including the smiling god figure.

What distinguishes the New Temple of Chavín?

The New Temple, built around 1800 BCE, is noted for its architectural style, the grand façade, and the striking Portal of the Sunken Plaza, which features hybrid characters carved into each column.

What is the significance of the Raimondi Stela?

The Raimondi Stela, also known as the 'God of the Staffs,' is a key artifact found at Chavín, representing an important deity of the Chavín culture.

What was the purpose of the underground galleries at Chavín?

The underground galleries at Chavín were designed to produce sounds that simulated jaguars, creating a terrifying experience for visitors. These sounds were generated through a system of underground water channels.

What are some of the notable construction techniques used at Chavín?

Chavín's construction featured solid fill made of clay and stones, with stone walls that were intricately carved, demonstrating advanced engineering and hydraulic systems, including drainage techniques that were ahead of their time.

What were some significant human remains found at the Chavín site, and what was their importance?

Human remains of an adult male and a young child were found at Chavín, offering insights into burial practices and biological details of individuals from the time. The adult’s skull was intentionally deformed, a common practice of the era.

What is the current state of preservation of Chavín's heritage, according to the transcript?

There is a lack of widespread awareness and consciousness regarding the importance of preserving Chavín's heritage, which presents challenges for its conservation.

Why is Chavín considered a significant archaeological and cultural site?

Chavín is considered a significant archaeological site due to its advanced construction techniques, hydraulic engineering, religious artifacts, and contributions to understanding the social organization and religious practices of early Peruvian societies.