Kistvaen Heacham Burial Mound
Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE)·Andean Formative·🇵🇪 Ancash, Peru
About
About Kistvaen Heacham Burial Mound
Kistvaen Heacham Burial Mound in Ancash, Peru is a Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE) tumulus attributed to Andean Formative culture. Systematically investigated through aerial LiDAR and coring, it presents a central mound with hydraulic works. Construction employs cyclopean blocks and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Andean Formative tumulus with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function as ceremonial vs domestic centre
- 02Chronology and phasing of monuments
Theories
- 01Territorial marker and boundary statement
- 02Defensive refuge and tribal capital
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 670 BCE
- Period
- Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE)
- Culture
- Andean Formative
- Purpose
- Agricultural and hydraulic
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 670 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 492 BCE
Secondary construction phase
c. 325 CE
Abandonment and gradual burial
1933
Archaeological identification via aerial survey
On the ground
Structures & features
10.4445° S · 76.8409° W · 971 m · 3 mapped features
Ancillary Complex
tombBurial zone — cists
10.4441° S · 76.8435° WReservoir/Cistern
reservoirOutlier feature with alignments
10.4424° S · 76.8381° WShrine
templeAncillary field system associated with main monument
10.4450° S · 76.8420° W