Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope
Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope North Annex · Sajama Site
Formative (800 BCE–800 CE)·Formative–Classic geoglyph·🇧🇴 Oruro, Sajama Lines, Bolivia
About
About Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope
Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope in Oruro, Sajama Lines, Bolivia 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 -18.1380N -68.9730E controls access to Oruro 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 Oruro, Sajama Lines, 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
- 1986 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 400 BCE–600 CE
Initial construction of Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope main structure
c. 1926
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1986–2016
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
18.1380° S · 68.9730° W · 262 m · 4 mapped features
Sajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope — Main Structure
structurePrincipal geoglyph — Figure 85 m long with diagnostic masonry/panel
18.1372° S · 68.9721° WSajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
18.1390° S · 68.9737° WSajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
18.1365° S · 68.9718° WSajama Geoglyph Line Field North Slope — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
18.1396° S · 68.9741° W