Descubre… | 8. Ave-felino-serpiente
Ancient Peru: Shamanic Practices and Symbolism
The Role of Leaders in Ancient Peru
- In ancient Peru, community leaders transformed into beings with the powers of birds, felines, and serpents to connect different worlds.
- These leaders consumed plants, roots, and seeds that allowed them to voluntarily alter their states of consciousness.
- Trance states were experienced as journeys enabling contact with various realms.
The Significance of Mortars
- Beautiful stone mortars from Pacopampa, a temple over 3,000 years old in Cajamarca's highlands, were used for preparing hallucinogenic substances.
- One mortar represents a jaguar; its grinding hand symbolizes a serpent. Another mortar depicts a jaguar with an owl's head surrounded by serpents.
Symbolism in Mortar Designs
- Both mortars feature designs that symbolize the shaman's journey through different worlds, merging the feline, bird, and serpent—three sacred animals in ancient Peru.