Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau
Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau North Annex · Nazca Site
Formative (800 BCE–800 CE)·Formative–Classic geoglyph·🇵🇪 Ica, Palpa, Peru
About
About Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau
Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau in Ica, Palpa, Peru is a Formative (800 BCE–800 CE) geoglyph attributed to Formative–Classic geoglyph. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal figure 85 m long and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -14.5380N -75.1860E controls access to Ica resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey geoglyph for Ica, Palpa, illustrating Formative–Classic geoglyph construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 400 BCE–600 CE
- Period
- Formative (800 BCE–800 CE)
- Culture
- Formative–Classic geoglyph
- Purpose
- Ceremonial geoglyph field for ritual procession and territorial marking
- Rediscovered
- 1984 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 400 BCE–600 CE
Initial construction of Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau main structure
c. 1924
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1984–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
14.5380° S · 75.1860° W · 248 m · 4 mapped features
- Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau — Main StructurestructurePrincipal geoglyph — Figure 85 m long with diagnostic masonry/panel14.5372° S · 75.1851° W
- Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature14.5390° S · 75.1867° W
- Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial14.5365° S · 75.1848° W
- Nazca Palpa Geoglyph Star Figure North Plateau — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site14.5396° S · 75.1871° W
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