Kuntur Wasi Archaeological Complex
Kuntur Wasi
Initial–Early Horizon 1000–250 BCE·Kuntur Wasi tradition·🇵🇪 Cajamarca (San Pablo Province), Peru
About
About Kuntur Wasi Archaeological Complex
Pre-Chavín highland temple four U-shaped platforms with gold pectoral burials 800–550 BCE, earliest Andean goldwork before Chavín.
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Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Kuntur Wasi tradition in Cajamarca (San Pablo Province); type-site demonstrating stepped platform temple and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Kuntur Wasi Archaeological Complex within Initial–Early Horizon 1000–250 BCE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Kuntur Wasi tradition ceremonial center for stepped platform temple
- 02Regional capital controlling trade and tribute network
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.1000–250 BCE
- Period
- Initial–Early Horizon 1000–250 BCE
- Culture
- Kuntur Wasi tradition
- Builders
- Highland temple builders
- Purpose
- Stepped platform temple
- Rediscovered
- 1946 Tello; 1989 Onuki
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.1000–250 BCE
Kuntur Wasi Archaeological Complex construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
7.1333° S · 78.8500° W · 2300 m · 2 mapped features
Kuntur Wasi Archaeological Complex central feature
featureMain architectural feature
7.1333° S · 78.8500° WKuntur Wasi Archaeological Complex secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
7.1323° S · 78.8490° W
Gallery