Chavín culture
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Chavín were an early civilization that existed in present-day Peru. This Early Horizon civilization is believed to have developed around 900 BC and died out around 200 BC according to Edward Lanning.[citations needed] After the Norte Chico civilization, the Chavíns laid the cultural foundation for the other Peruvian civilizations to come.
Archaeological artifacts from the Chavín period include textiles, metalwork, pottery and religious items. The most well-known archaeological ruin of the Chavín era is Chavín de Huantar, located in the Andean highlands north of Lima. It is believed to have been built around 900 BC.
Contents |
[edit] Achievements
Chavín metallurgy, soldering, and temperature control methods were advanced for their time. They also had a knowledge of textiles that allowed them to revolutionize cloth production.
The Chavín established a trade network and developed agriculture by 850 BC and lasted to 250 BC, according to some estimates and archeological finds. The Chavín peoples, much like all Andean groups, had no system of writing.
They learned how to tame llamas. Llamas had a spiritual significance and also were used as pack animals.
[edit] Art
The Chavín culture represents the first widespread, recognizable artistic style in the Andes. Chavín art can be divided into two phases: The first phase corresponding to the construction of the "Old Temple" at Chavín de Huantar (c. 900–500 BC); and the second phase corresponding to the construction of Chavín de Huantar's "New Temple" (c. 500–200 BC).
Stylistically, Chavín art forms make extensive use of the technique of contour rivalry. The art is intentionally difficult to interpret and understand, since it was intended only to be read by high priests of the Chavín cult who could understand the intricately complex and sacred designs, and thus their power. The Raimondi Stela is one of the major examples of this technique.
[edit] Religion
Chavíns had some sort of religious belief, supported by the many religious artifacts have been excavated. They used hallucinogens. Small mortars, possibly used to grind vilca (a hallucinogenic snuff), have been uncovered, along with bone tubes and spoons decorated with wild animals which we associate with shamanistic transformations. Artwork at Chavín de Huantar also show figures with mucus streaming from their nostrils (a side effect of vilca use) and holding what is interpreted to be San Pedro, a hallucinogenic cactus.
The Chavín cult promoted fertility and abundant harvests. The deities were represented in stone carvings as features of humans and wild animals such as jaguars, hawks, eagles, and snakes. Its role in politics was extremely significant. Chavin cult first stimulated the use of techniques of producing elaborate cotton textiles, the manufacture of large, light, and strong fishing nets from cotton string, and the discovery of techniques of gold, silver, and copper metallurgy. These economic advancements led to the building of ceremonial centers and large settlements. It is possible that priests were part of the Chavin cult. However, priestly classes probably were not present, since complex societies and cities began to arrive only after the disappearance of the Chavín. The Chavín may have sacrificed animals and such to please the gods for abundance in harvest. They also were very good hunters.
[edit] Popular culture
In Digging for the Truth television series season 2, episode 1 The Real Temple of Doom concentrates on Chavín cultures.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- (Spanish) Peru Cultural website
- Minnesota State University e-museum
- Chavín Project with a bibliography and external links
- Chavín Culture
