Chavín culture
Encyclopedia : C : CH : CHA : Chavín culture
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The Chavín were an early civilization that existed in what is now the country of Peru. This Early Horizon civilization is believed to have developed around 900 BCE and died out around 200 BCE. The Chavíns laid the cultural foundation for the other Peruvian civilizations to come.
Archaeological artifacts from the Chavín period include textiles, metalwork, pottery and religious items. The most well-known archaeological ruin of the Chavín era is Chavin de Huantar, located in the Andean highlands north of Lima. It is believed to have been built around 900 BCE.
Achievements
Chavín metallurgy, soldering, and temperature control methods were advanced for their time. They also had a knowledge of textiles that allowed them to revolutionize cloth production.
The Chavín established a trade network and developed agriculture by 900 BCE, according to some estimates and archeological finds. No form of writing has been discovered, however.
They learned how to tame the llamas; llamas were considered gods.
Art
The Chavin culture represents the first widespread, recognizable artistic style in the Andes. Chavin art can be divided into two phases: The first phase corresponding to the construction of the "Old Temple" at Chavin de Huantar (c. 900-500 BCE); and the second phase corresponding to the construction of Chavin de Huantar's "New Temple" (c. 500-200 BCE).
Stylistically, Chavin art forms make extensive use of the technique of contour rivalry. The art is intentionally difficult to interpret and understand, since it was intended only to be read by high priests of the Chavin cult who could understand the intricately complex and sacred designs, and thus their power. The Raimondi Stela is one of the major examples of this technique.
Religion
Chavíns had some sort of religious belief, supported by the many religious artifacts have been excavated. They may have used hallucinogens because small mortars, possibly used to grind vilca (a hallucinogenic snuff), have been uncovered, along with bone tubes and spoons decorated with wild animals which we associate with shamanistic transformations.The Chavín cult promoted fertility and abundant harvests. The deities were represented in stone carvings as features of humans and wild animals such as jaguars, hawks, eagles, and snakes. Its role in politics was extremely significant. Chavin cult first stimulated the use of techniques of producing elaborate cotton textiles, the manufacture of large, light, and strong fishing nets from cotton string, and the discovery of techniques of gold, silver, and copper metallurgy. These economic advancements led to the building of ceremonial centers and cities. It is possible that priests were part of the Chavin cult. However, priestly classes probably were not present, since complex societies and cities began to arrive only after the disappearance of the Chavín. The Chavín may have sacrificed animals and such to please the gods for abundance in harvest.
See also
- History of South America#Chavín
External links
- [Peru Cultural website (in Spanish)]
- [Understanding Chavín and the Origins of Andean Civilization]
- [Minnesota State University e-museum]
- [Chavin Project] with a bibliography and external links
- [Chavin Culture]
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