La Cultura Chavín en 5 minutos | Culturas Peruanas | Culturas Preincas | Historia del Perú

Introduction to the Chavin Culture

This section introduces the Chavin Culture, which is considered one of the most important pre-Inca cultures of Peru.

Discovery and Importance

• The Chavin Culture was discovered by Julio César Tello, who considered it as the "matrix culture" of Peru.

• It appeared in the Andean formative period and is considered within the first cultural horizon.

• It expanded along the coast and Peruvian highlands, with greater influence in La Libertad, Lima, and Ancash.

Influence on Religion and Productivity

• Its influence mainly covers religion due to its ferocious gods and new techniques that improved productivity in agriculture.

• Its center of progress was the temple of Chavín de Huántar located at 3180 meters above sea level.

• The priest was part of a privileged group with political, religious, economic, and social power.

Temple Construction

• The construction of the Chavín de Huántar temple started with the "ancient or old temple," decorated with cornices, gravestones, friezes, and lintels carved with gods who ruled Chavin.

• A lithic sculpture shaped like a knife or spear called "Monolithic Lanzon" was found in this temple.

• Over time a building called "New Temple" was built between 1000 to 800 BC.

Artistic Style

• The architectural style of the temple facade and cover of Falconides are impressive.

• Sculptures on the lintels and columns, known as nail heads, are characterized by an anthropomorphic repertoire.

• Chavin art was varied, highlighting mainly in a wide variety of lithic sculptures, ceramic finishes, and textile figures.

Decline

• The Chavin culture began to decay 500 years after its emergence, fragmenting into several parts.

• Its influence lasted over time.