The Chavín civilization created the first major culture in Peru, its influence uniting a large area that stretched from the Peruvian coast to the Andes mountains. Although the culture existed from 1000 B.C.E. to 200 C.E., it flourished and dominated the Central Andes region between 900 and 200 B.C.E.
The Chavín people learned how to irrigate areas around rivers and lagoons. They also domesticated animals and plants, hunted, and fished.
The city of Chavín de Huántar is located in the Marañón river valley. Because the city functioned as the primary religious center of the Chavín, as the civilization expanded the city grew in size and population.
The Chavín people learned how to irrigate areas around rivers and lagoons. They also domesticated animals and plants, hunted, and fished.
The city of Chavín de Huántar is located in the Marañón river valley. Because the city functioned as the primary religious center of the Chavín, as the civilization expanded the city grew in size and population.
During its original construction, the Old Temple was built. The Old Temple was a center of religion and authority. Large stone heads protruded from the walls high above the ground. These heads were generally half-animal-half-human and represented the Chavín religious belief of transformation. They believed priests, or shamans, could transform into animal spirits. The Old Temple also contains the Lanzón, a large pillar carved out of granite. The engraving is believed to be of the main deity of the Chavín religion. The New Temple was built later in 400 B.C.E. By this time, the population of Chavín de Huántar was extremely large and dense for the time period. Both the Old and New Temples were used for religious ceremonies and events. People came to the city to witness the magnificent temples, and the religion spread across the Andean region.
The Chavín government was run by a small elite group of priests, administrators, and wealthy traders. Since the construction of monuments and temples in Chavín de Huántar depended on many workers and laborers, the Chavín most likely required a strong government. Priests were very powerful and influential in Chavín politics. The Chavín civilization is often referred to as a cult because of the important role religion has in the government.
Religion played a major role for the Chavín. Shamans ruled the people, and temples were by far the most monumental form of architecture. According to stone carvings, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics, the Chavín worshiped many gods. These were gods had both animal and human characteristics. Respected animals included feline animals, birds of prey, and snakes. They also believed in sacred geography of mountains and rivers. Buildings were often aligned with surrounding natural features. For example, Chavín de Huántar was built at the meeting point of two rivers that were considered sacred. They also built huacas, or shrines, on a sacred place and believed this would link them to the gods.
The architecture of Chavín temples were large and involved carved stone representations of their religious beliefs. They also built well planned air ducts, floodgates, and underground canal systems.
The Chavín created the first widespread, recognizable artistic style in Peru. Most artworks represented gods and religious beliefs. They carved images on small pieces of stone as well as huge, monumental architecture. They devised a technique of hammering decorative designs and images into gold resulting in beautiful gold ornaments. They also weaved decorative textiles into meaningful and decorative patterns.
Their artwork and architecture was all that was left behind by the Chavín since they did not develop a system of writing.
Their artwork and architecture was all that was left behind by the Chavín since they did not develop a system of writing.
Job specialization was evident in Chavín society. The majority of people were farmers, hunters, or llama herders. There were also many laborers that worked hard to produce buildings as massive as the Old and New Temples. A smaller group of artisans included stone carvers, potters, weavers, and metal workers. Merchants and traders were also important in the community because of their role in spreading ideas. Social classes existed, but there was no major distinction among the common people.