Chachapoyas Culture

The Chachapoyas culture developed between 800 d.c and 1570 d.c in the northeast of Peru. Their territories extended some three hundred kilometers along the current regions of Amazonas and San Martin. The stage in which they flourished and established their identity is known as Chachapoya Clásica, from 800 d.c until the Inca invasion near the year 1470 d.c.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE OF CHACHAPOYAS CULTURE

The Chachapoyas culture developed in isolation. However, there is evidence that sporadically they interacted with other groups that enabled the north and west of the Marañón River. The remains found both from their artistic and architectural production seem to suggest that they descended from Andean immigrants who adapted their ancestral culture to the new medium. The relatively isolated development of the Chachapoyas came to an end when they were dominated by the Incas in the 15th century.

LOCATION

The Chachapoyas culture flourished in areas located on the eastern slope of the Andes, between 2 thousand and 3 thousand meters above sea level. Region quite humid due to the continuous rains, with dense vegetation, swamps and permanently covered by fog. It has been suggested, that the meaning chachapoyas could be cloud forests, characteristic of the environment in which this culture was developed.

FARMING

Agriculture was developed by taking advantage of access to a variety of ecosystems. The slopes of the hills were transformed into wide terraces of cultivation and the low areas were cultivated in fields with elaborate drainage systems. They cultivated tubers such as potato, mashua, oca and olluco, and in grains such as quinoa and kiwicha in areas ranging from 3200 to 3800 meters above sea level.

The inhabitants of the Chachapoyas culture depended on grazing agriculture, hunting and gathering for their subsistence. In addition, they based their economy on the domestic production of ceramics and textiles. The production and exchange of food helped to consolidate social networks and alliances between populations.

ARCHITECTURE

The Chachapoyas culture is characterized by the richness of its buildings, many of them decorated with a system of friezes made with stones arranged at different levels, forming geometrical designs in the style of frets. In general, the residential and monumental constructions are circular and of stone, their walls have reliefs of stone decorated, in several cases, with symbolic figures. They have inclined ramps or stairs directed towards the entrance and tend to erect them on platforms located on slopes. The most outstanding architectural complexes are Kuélap and Gran Pajatén.