Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Archaeologists have uncovered a broken sculptural vessel depicting warriors in combat at the entrance to the Solar Observatory of the Chankillo Archeoastronomic Complex, located in the Casma Valley of Peru’s Ancash region.
The broken vessel strengthens the evidence linking solar ceremonies taking place around astronomical observations at the Thirteen Towers of Chankillo. Image source
Chankillo, a solar observatory dating back 2,300 years, offers significant insights into ther region’s ancient practices. The site precedes by several centuries similar monuments by the Maya in Central America and by almost two millennia solar observatories of the Inca civilization in Peru.
The artifact – belonging to the Patazca style – seems to have been intentionally broken, possibly as part of a ritual offering or during a conflict event at the site. Its placement in an area rich in ceremonial significance underscores its symbolic importance within the religious practices associated with the Sun.
One can wonder how such objects were woven into the spiritual and cultural life of the people of their time. Imagine the vibrant civilization that flourished in the Casma Valley over 2,300 years ago, where solar ceremonies and military skills intertwined to create a powerful legacy.
The elites of this society harnessed the energy of the sun not only as a source of life but also as a symbol of their strength and unity.
Image source
Through these celestial rituals, they inspired their people and fortified their influence, demonstrating how deeply interconnected spirituality and leadership can elevate an entire civilization.
According to the researchers, the depiction of warriors is associated with the Chankillo structure referred to as the Fortified Temple. This building served as a hub for the Chankillo elites, and included political, military, and ritual functions.
The discovery supports the idea that ritual objects were not solely ceremonial; they also conveyed messages of identity and authority.
Thirteen towers outside the Incan citadel near Chankillo, Peru. Tower 1 is the leftmost tower in the image. Credits: I. Ghezzi, C. Ruggles
The broken vessel strengthens the evidence linking solar ceremonies taking place around astronomical observations at the Thirteen Towers of Chankillo and the rise of a warrior elite that made its authority stronger through ritual practices, mastery over the solar calendar, and military power.
Chankillo was not only the oldest solar observatory in America, but also served as a site for conflict and for legitimizing the power of its ruling elites.
Image source
The Ministry of Culture reaffirms its dedication to researching, conserving, and enhancing Chankillo. It will carry on excavations in different sections of the site to uncover important details about the civilization that thrived in Ancash over 2,300 years ago.
The Thirteen Towers represent the oldest solar observatory in America and stand as the only complete solar horizon calendar from the ancient world. This complex also features an impressive 300-meter-long structure, which has been reinterpreted as a Fortified Temple.
Moreover, the Chankillo towers provide evidence of early solar horizon observations and of the existence of sophisticated Sun cults, preceding the Sun pillars of Incaic Cusco by almost two millennia.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer