The Chavins: An influential Civilization
Chavin Civilization
The Chavin culture, one of the most developed pre-Columbian cultures, existed between the 15th and 5th century BC in the Mosna valley of the Peruvian Andes. The hight of the civilization last from 500 to 200 BC. The more famous site in Chavin culture is the Chavin de Huántar, which is believed to be built around 900 BC, for religious and political reasons. One of the Chavins greatest achievements was the amount of architecture that was put into this monument. It was built of white granite and black limestone, which neither where found near the Chavin society. Another achievement of the Chavins, where their drainage systems that were built under temples to prevent flooding. During the rainy seasons, when the water rushes through the canals, it replicates the sound of a jaguar’s (a sacred animal) roar.
The Chavin culture, one of the most developed pre-Columbian cultures, existed between the 15th and 5th century BC in the Mosna valley of the Peruvian Andes. The hight of the civilization last from 500 to 200 BC. The more famous site in Chavin culture is the Chavin de Huántar, which is believed to be built around 900 BC, for religious and political reasons. One of the Chavins greatest achievements was the amount of architecture that was put into this monument. It was built of white granite and black limestone, which neither where found near the Chavin society. Another achievement of the Chavins, where their drainage systems that were built under temples to prevent flooding. During the rainy seasons, when the water rushes through the canals, it replicates the sound of a jaguar’s (a sacred animal) roar.
Economics
The Chavin people domesticated animals, such as llamas (camelids). These animals where used as pack animals (or beast of burden), wool, fiber and meat. A major trading piece in Chavin trade was ch'arki, or llama jerky. The main areas of economy where hunting, fishing, and agriculture.They also grew potatoes, quinoa, and maize.
Religion and Art
The civilization revolved around their religion that promoted fertility and an abundant harvest. They showed their gods through stone carving of humans and animals (jaguars, hawks, eagles, and snakes). The jaquar was thought to be a mythical or divine creature. It is believed that they sacrificed animals and ingested hallucinogenic snuff during some of their many rituals. The Chavin art can divided into two sections: the “Old Temple” (c. 900–500 BC) and the “New Temple” (c. 500–200 BC). The art was made to be hard to decipher since only priest and high elites where intended to read it.The Chavins where very talented in metallurgy, and many artifacts were made, which displayed their genuine craftsmanship.
The Chavin people domesticated animals, such as llamas (camelids). These animals where used as pack animals (or beast of burden), wool, fiber and meat. A major trading piece in Chavin trade was ch'arki, or llama jerky. The main areas of economy where hunting, fishing, and agriculture.They also grew potatoes, quinoa, and maize.
Religion and Art
The civilization revolved around their religion that promoted fertility and an abundant harvest. They showed their gods through stone carving of humans and animals (jaguars, hawks, eagles, and snakes). The jaquar was thought to be a mythical or divine creature. It is believed that they sacrificed animals and ingested hallucinogenic snuff during some of their many rituals. The Chavin art can divided into two sections: the “Old Temple” (c. 900–500 BC) and the “New Temple” (c. 500–200 BC). The art was made to be hard to decipher since only priest and high elites where intended to read it.The Chavins where very talented in metallurgy, and many artifacts were made, which displayed their genuine craftsmanship.
Area of Influence
The Chavin held a wide circle of influence over surrounding cultures for only 300 years. The finds Pacopampa, a civilization north of the Chavins, shows that their temples where made to copy the Chavins. Also the Caballo Muerto civilizations had adobe structures that seemed to have been copied of the Chavin, and at the site of Cerro Blanco Chavin ceramics were found. The stretch of influence over surrounding areas is not due to the fact of conquered civilization. The Chavins in fact were not prone to warfare.
The Huaca Garagay, is another example of its influence. This ceremonial center is located in current day San Martín de Porres in Lima. Experts believe that it was constructed over generations by other civilizations in respect to the Chavins. More information on the Chavins is shown below in this video.
The Chavin held a wide circle of influence over surrounding cultures for only 300 years. The finds Pacopampa, a civilization north of the Chavins, shows that their temples where made to copy the Chavins. Also the Caballo Muerto civilizations had adobe structures that seemed to have been copied of the Chavin, and at the site of Cerro Blanco Chavin ceramics were found. The stretch of influence over surrounding areas is not due to the fact of conquered civilization. The Chavins in fact were not prone to warfare.
The Huaca Garagay, is another example of its influence. This ceremonial center is located in current day San Martín de Porres in Lima. Experts believe that it was constructed over generations by other civilizations in respect to the Chavins. More information on the Chavins is shown below in this video.