Andes
Tertiary Sources
Unit 11 Guiding Questions: To what degree do American civilizations follow the same patterns as civilizations that developed in Eurasia and Africa? To what degree are their cultural strategies unique?
Unit 11 Theme: Andean cultures showed their devotion to significant figures through their architecture.
Visual Sources
Feline and Cactus Stirrup Vessel (900 - 200 BCE): Peru
Moche Portrait Ceramic (100 BCE - 700 CE): Peru
Late Intermediate Period (1000 - 1476 CE): Chimú
Early Horizon (900 - 200 BCE): Chavín
Early Intermediate Period (200 BCE - 600 CE): Moche
Middle Horizon (600 - 1000 CE): Wari/Tiwanaku
Chavín de Huantar was a civilization that was predominantly seen as a religious cult based on its symbolic artifacts. It was situated in South America, but more specifically, in modern-day Peru. Spreading Andean culture, Chavín had the "Old Temple", which displayed symbols of deities with human-animal traits and shamanism in relation to the pilgrimages made to Chavín. (KA & WH) - Emily
Chavin had religious beliefs had rituals that used animal blood and sacrificial ritual, there religious could be perform in public spaces. Which led to the famous place known as Chavin de Huanter an important place for religious sites, has been used for over 5 centuries. - Melody
The old temple dates from C. 750 B.C.E, and is actually a complex of building together forming a U-shape - Melody
250 CE: The Moche constructed Huaca del Sol (Temple of the Sun) and Huaca de la Luna (Temple of the Moon). (WH)
The Moche political system included administrative levels: divine kingship (depicted in murals/ceramics), noble administration, bureaucracy, clan leadership, and commonality. (WH)
The Wari were heavily influenced by other contemporary cultures which led to the establishment of their culture. Due to the lack of writing found during the time period, it is unclear as to whether or not the Wari was an empire or just a culture that influenced many. The Wari was known for holding wealth, building large infrastructure and showing consistency between their different settlements. Many were not able to form formal empires due to their land structures which in consequence stopped them from trading amongst one another. (KA) - Aniya
Important Wari centre, Pikillacta, which was southeast of Huari which was founded c. 650 CE. - Aniya
1000 CE: Chimu's capital Chan Chan was established
Chimu's rulers would be buried with their accumulated wealth in pottery/jewelry and his attendants/llamas.
Llamas were primarily used as transportation by the Moche in regards to agriculture.
Mainly influenced by the culture of the Moche as the Chimu inhabited the same geographical region.
Naymlap Gold Plaque (1000 - 1450 CE): Chimor
Animals in the America cultures were a big reason on why they were worshipped. They had strong beliefs into animals especially cats. We can see that throughout other cultures/regions/period of time. Cats are seemed as mystical creatures and are used and worshipped as a god/deity. So this vessel was used for religious practices/rituals. - Anakin
Due to the Moche tribe being a tribe about poetry and music and art they make sculptures and paintings on what they could possibly portray a person or being as. - Anakin
This plaque is made out of gold, which automatically makes it worth more and gives more value. Since this work has been traced back from the Andes region, it is likely that this relic was made to bring up more power to a person, and is likely a work that they will be buried with. - Grace
This piece of art appears to be jewelry to me. Jewelry can serve to enhance one's appearance. It also represents money, power, and social standing. Jewelry is a means of self-expression and artistic expression for certain people. Then there are those that wear jewelry as part of their culture and custom. - Madison
I believe this plaque is to demonstrate that the person in the middle , the god/deity is being worshipped by the others. It is to resemble a story that is being informed to others about this god or deity. - Anakin
Sacrificial rituals were common amongst many deity worshippers. This plaque may provide some context to the things we’ve learned about pleasing gods, and hierarchy in society (lowest classes are sacrificed, middle classes watch and pray, higher classes are worshipped). - Kaia
I believe this because most Mesoamerican civilizations used artwork to express themselves as a way of storytelling and paying respect to powerful rulers. - Hannan
In Moche culture the creation of sculptures, vessels, and other artworks was a big part of the legacy that individuals could leave. So this vessel could have significant meaning and value to the Moche people of a certain class. - Grace
I believe the sculpture depicts someone in a position of authority. I see a sculpture of a war hero, probably a military commander who was influential at the time. - Madison
Often their pieces showed daily scenes on vessels. With some research into Moche ceramics, I discovered that red and yellow paint were often reserved for elite individuals, which gives us context for this portrait sculpture. - Kaia
These ceramics must have been modeled after important people, like the leaders of one group of the Moche people or be apart of a noble family. - Nahile
Felines, such as lions, were at the top of the food chain most of the time, so they were seen in high regard by shamans. - Emily
One of their deities was a fanged jaguar god, and this could be a vague explanation for what this vessel is portraying. Often cultures will create art honoring their deities. - Kaia
We can understand the animal or cat depicted as a god to the people of the Andean society, placed with them when they died to help them enter the afterlife. - Madison