Sajama — Geoglyph Lines North (Bolivia, Altiplano)
Sajama Lines N
Formative to Late Intermediate (800 BCE–1400 CE)·Andean Formative·🇧🇴 Oruro, Sajama, Bolivia
About
About Sajama — Geoglyph Lines North (Bolivia, Altiplano)
Sajama — Geoglyph Lines North (Bolivia, Altiplano) in Oruro, Sajama, Bolivia is a Formative to Late Intermediate (800 BCE–1400 CE) geoglyph attributed to Andean Formative. Systematic survey and coring document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal citadel and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions figure 92 m long × 28 m wide; line 2.5 m wide; area unmeasured ha. Excavation excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Andean Formative geoglyph with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 4200 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Territorial marker
- 02Ceremonial centre
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. 500 BCE
- Period
- Formative to Late Intermediate (800 BCE–1400 CE)
- Culture
- Andean Formative
- Purpose
- Desert geoglyph and ceremonial landscape
- Rediscovered
- 2004
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1100 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1938
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
18.1300° S · 68.9500° W · 4200 m · 3 mapped features
- Principal FigurefigurePrincipal Figure at Sajama — Geoglyph Lines North (Bolivia, Altiplano) — figure with stratified deposits18.1291° S · 68.9511° W
- North Ray ExtensionrayNorth Ray Extension at Sajama — Geoglyph Lines North (Bolivia, Altiplano) — ray with stratified deposits18.1301° S · 68.9506° W
- Ancillary CirclecircleAncillary Circle at Sajama — Geoglyph Lines North (Bolivia, Altiplano) — circle with stratified deposits18.1317° S · 68.9514° W
Gallery