El sur del Altiplano Boliviano, la región de Uyuni constituye un patrimonio natural y cultural de... more El sur del Altiplano Boliviano, la región de Uyuni constituye un patrimonio natural y cultural de gran in¬terés para el turismo y la economía potosina y nacional. Asimismo, cuenta con numerosas lagu¬nas y sa¬lares, incomparables paisajes de montaña desérticos y lunares, volcanes y géiseres, una flora y fauna úni¬cas en su género, - resal¬tando una varie¬dad notable de pájaros y flamencos lacustres que viven en un ecosis¬tema aún muy frágil - e innumerables pueblos colo¬niales indígenas. Sin embargo, el desarrollo incontrolable del turismo de aventura y la explotación del litio amenazan su medio ambiente y cambien totalmente el modo de vida de sus habitantes. Este articulo, redactado en 1995, cuando el turismo recién se estaba iniciando, da algunas pautas de lo que podria pasar en el futuro si no se logra controlarlo.
In the south of the Bolivian Altiplano, the Uyuni region is a natural and cultural heritage of great interest for tourism and the national and potosinian economy. It also has numerous lakes and mountains, unparalleled desert and lunar mountain landscapes, volcanoes and geysers, a unique flora and fauna, - highlighting a remarkable variety of lakes and flamingos - who live in a still fragile ecosystem - and innumerable indigenous colonial villages. However, the uncontrolable development of adventure tourism and the exploitation of lithium threathen their environment and totally change the way of life of its inhabitants. This article, written in 1995, when tourism was just beginning, gives some guidelines of what could happen in the future if it can not be controlled.
En los años 1980-81, La provincia de Loja, ubicada en el sur del Ecuador, fue el centro de una se... more En los años 1980-81, La provincia de Loja, ubicada en el sur del Ecuador, fue el centro de una serie de prospecciones focalizadas en tres areas especificas: Catamayo, Catacocha, y Cariamanga. Alli se registraron varios sitios prehispanicos. Este articulo se propone dar una idea general del poblamiento de estas zonas en el curso del periode de Dessarrollo Regional (- 500 + 500). Se trata de un trabajo pionero que fue completado por una excavacion y varios otras prospecciones en las zona vecinas
Popularisé par le tourisme, le site de Machu Picchu, est la réalisation architecturale inca la mi... more Popularisé par le tourisme, le site de Machu Picchu, est la réalisation architecturale inca la mieux connue au monde. Ce court article, publié par l’Encyclopædia Universalis, à Paris, en 2008, en dresse une rapide description.
Dernière venue sur la scène des cultures andines, la civilisation inca est l’une des mieux connue... more Dernière venue sur la scène des cultures andines, la civilisation inca est l’une des mieux connues, en raison des nombreuses réalisations architecturales qu’elle a laissées, et qui suscitèrent souvent l’admiration des conquérants espagnols. Cet article est une synthèse de l’histoire de la culture inca publiée par l’encyclopædia Universalis, à Paris, en 2008 qui s'adresse surtout aux lecteurs français
En los Andes del sur, a la etapa comprendida entre aproximadamente 1600 a. C. a 400 d. C. se Ie c... more En los Andes del sur, a la etapa comprendida entre aproximadamente 1600 a. C. a 400 d. C. se Ie conoce como Periodo Formativo. Se caracteriza por la aparici6n de las primeras comunidades agroalfareras, agroganaderas 0 de subsistencia basada en la pesca asi como en el f/orecimiento de las primeras formas de organizaci6n religiosa y politica. Las regiones meridionales de Potosi, en el sur de Bolivia, presentan varios sitios que corresponden a esta epoca que recientemente han sido estudiados. En su mayoria se trata de pequeiias aldeas que muestran aun Los restos de sus estructuras (viviendas de barro 0 piedra y terrazas de cuLtivo). En este ensayo se presentan las caracteristicas de la ocupacion de esta epoca en Potosi, haciendo enfasis en el patron de asentamiento y La alfareria. Estos datos permiten pLantear aLgunas hip6tesis sobre Las relaciones que pudieron con areas vecinas. Abstract THE FORMATIVE PERIOD IN SOUTHERN POTOSI, BOLIVIA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT * Instituto Frances de Estudios Andinos, 20 Cite Verte, 94370 Sucy-en-Brie, Francia. Fax: (33.1) 45 900586. email: [email protected]
Bulletin De L Institut Francais D Etudes Andines, 1997
Page 1. BULLETIN ».Institui Fríhçíb tii.ii!. л-.. Ni ■ Bulletin de l'Institut Français d... more Page 1. BULLETIN ».Institui Fríhçíb tii.ii!. л-.. Ni ■ Bulletin de l'Institut Français d'Etudes Andines Instituto Francés de Estudios Andinos Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Francia [email protected] FRANCIA 1997 ...
Situated in the heart of the Vilcabamba cordillera in Peru, some 150 km northwest of Cuzco, the a... more Situated in the heart of the Vilcabamba cordillera in Peru, some 150 km northwest of Cuzco, the ancient Inca state
capital, Choqek’iraw or Choquequirao (“the golden cradle” in Quechua), is one of the most beautiful achievements of
Inca architecture, and one of the very few pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, the only one known from
Inca times. This article will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the walls convey cosmological significance
and are laid out following textile principles. After describing the site and its geo-cultural setting, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in an attempt to grasp their meaning. Finally, the author suggests that some of
the scenes depicted could have been inspired by pre-Columbian myths and could be linked to astronomical concepts.
Choqek’iraw, in the heart of theVilcabamba
cordillera, in Peru, some 150 km from the former Inca... more Choqek’iraw, in the heart of theVilcabamba
cordillera, in Peru, some 150 km from the former Inca State capital Cuzco, is one of the
very few Pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, and the only known one from
Inca times. This paper will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the
walls convey cosmological significance and are laid out following textile principles.
We will first describe the site and its geo-cultural setting. Then, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in attempt to grasp their meaning. We
conclude this paper by suggesting that some of the scenes depicted might have been
inspired by pre-Columbian myths and might be linked to astronomical concepts.
Considéré comme l’un des sites majeurs de la culture inca, Choqek’iraw ou Choque
Quirao (le berc... more Considéré comme l’un des sites majeurs de la culture inca, Choqek’iraw ou Choque
Quirao (le berceau de l’or, en langue quechua) est localisé dans les Andes péruviennes
au coeur de la cordillère de Vilcabamba, à quelque 160 km au nord-ouest de
la ville de Cuzco, à la limite des départements de Cuzco et d’Apurímac.
De 2003 à 2006, une équipe franco-péruvienne y a mené plusieurs campagnes de
fouilles. Les résultats permettent de brosser un tableau de l’histoire du site, tout en
suggérant une occupation plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée ; elle pourrait
dater de la fin de l’Horizon moyen, entre 500 et 1000 apr. J.-C.
En 2004, un nouveau projet archéologique français voyait le jour au Pérou, sur le site inca de Ch... more En 2004, un nouveau projet archéologique français voyait le jour au Pérou, sur le site inca de Choqek’iraw et Archéologia était la première revue à en révéler l’existence. Aujourd’hui, la découverte de décorations murales exceptionnelles dans les Andes et les nombreux travaux qui y ont été menés donnent une idée nouvelle sur le rôle de ce site au cours de son histoire précolombienne.
In 2004, a new French archaeological project was created in Peru on the Inca site of Choqek'iraw, and Archéologia was the first magazine to reveal its existence in France.
Today, the discovery of unique wall decorations in the Andes
and many studies that have been conducted to give a new idea on the role this site during his pre-Columbian history
Au cœur des Andes péruviennes se niche un site méconnu, le dernier bastion de l'Empire inca. La d... more Au cœur des Andes péruviennes se niche un site méconnu, le dernier bastion de l'Empire inca. La découverte récente de mosaïques de lamas pose la question du rôle rituel de ce site.
Niché au coeur de la Cordillère de Vilcabamba, quelque 160 km au nord-ouest
de Cuzco, l’ancienne ... more Niché au coeur de la Cordillère de Vilcabamba, quelque 160 km au nord-ouest de Cuzco, l’ancienne capitale de l’empire inca, le site de Choqek’iraw, « le berceau de l’or » en langue quechua, est considéré comme l’une des plus belles réalisations architecturales inca. Mais les fouilles que nous venons de réaliser, en août dernier, dans un secteur résidentiel spécifique de l’agglomération (le n° 9) suggèrent une occupation beaucoup plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée : elle pourrait dater de la période formative, de ±1000 av. J.-C. à ± 300 apr. J.-C.
This paper illustrates the occupation of the Yura Valley and the Porco area, localized in the sou... more This paper illustrates the occupation of the Yura Valley and the Porco area, localized in the southern part of the Potosí department, Bolivia, during the Late Intermediate Period
(AD 1100-1400) and the Late Horizon (AD 1400-1532). In the first part of this work, I introduce the ethnohistorical sources that are linked with this important mining area. In the second part, I describe the archaeological data, including the settlement pattern of the most important sites and the principal styles of local ceramics: Yura, Huruquilla,
Chaqui-Condoriri, Chilpe, Caranga, exploring their origins. In the conclusion de this essay, I analyze all the information collected, both historical and archaeological data, in order to better understand, what strategies did the Inka use to conquer this region and control it for its benefit
Anuario, Archivo y Biblioteca Nacional de Bolivia, Sucre, 2003
Desde 1994, se viene realizando, de manera sistemática, una serie de prospecciones arqueológicas ... more Desde 1994, se viene realizando, de manera sistemática, una serie de prospecciones arqueológicas en diferentes zonas del departamento de Potosi (Yura, Porco, Betanzos, Caiza D y Tomas Fría) con el fin de elaborar la carta arqueológica de la región, identificando particularmente los sitios de los Horizontes Formativo (1500 a.C. - 500 d.C.), Medio (500-1200 d.C.), y los del periodo Intermedio Tardío (1100-1300) relacionados con la expansión de Tiwanaku y el desarrollo de la federación Charka-Qaraqara en el sur de Bolivia y alrededor del cerro de Porco. Estas prospecciones permitieron también ubicar varios sitios de tradición inka, cuyo estudio no formaron parte de nuestras primeras metas. Este trabajo presenta una síntesis de los resultados de estos trabajos. Anuario del Archivo y Biblioteca Nacional de Bolivia, Sucre, 2003, p. 297-335
El sur del Altiplano Boliviano, la región de Uyuni constituye un patrimonio natural y cultural de... more El sur del Altiplano Boliviano, la región de Uyuni constituye un patrimonio natural y cultural de gran in¬terés para el turismo y la economía potosina y nacional. Asimismo, cuenta con numerosas lagu¬nas y sa¬lares, incomparables paisajes de montaña desérticos y lunares, volcanes y géiseres, una flora y fauna úni¬cas en su género, - resal¬tando una varie¬dad notable de pájaros y flamencos lacustres que viven en un ecosis¬tema aún muy frágil - e innumerables pueblos colo¬niales indígenas. Sin embargo, el desarrollo incontrolable del turismo de aventura y la explotación del litio amenazan su medio ambiente y cambien totalmente el modo de vida de sus habitantes. Este articulo, redactado en 1995, cuando el turismo recién se estaba iniciando, da algunas pautas de lo que podria pasar en el futuro si no se logra controlarlo.
In the south of the Bolivian Altiplano, the Uyuni region is a natural and cultural heritage of great interest for tourism and the national and potosinian economy. It also has numerous lakes and mountains, unparalleled desert and lunar mountain landscapes, volcanoes and geysers, a unique flora and fauna, - highlighting a remarkable variety of lakes and flamingos - who live in a still fragile ecosystem - and innumerable indigenous colonial villages. However, the uncontrolable development of adventure tourism and the exploitation of lithium threathen their environment and totally change the way of life of its inhabitants. This article, written in 1995, when tourism was just beginning, gives some guidelines of what could happen in the future if it can not be controlled.
En los años 1980-81, La provincia de Loja, ubicada en el sur del Ecuador, fue el centro de una se... more En los años 1980-81, La provincia de Loja, ubicada en el sur del Ecuador, fue el centro de una serie de prospecciones focalizadas en tres areas especificas: Catamayo, Catacocha, y Cariamanga. Alli se registraron varios sitios prehispanicos. Este articulo se propone dar una idea general del poblamiento de estas zonas en el curso del periode de Dessarrollo Regional (- 500 + 500). Se trata de un trabajo pionero que fue completado por una excavacion y varios otras prospecciones en las zona vecinas
Popularisé par le tourisme, le site de Machu Picchu, est la réalisation architecturale inca la mi... more Popularisé par le tourisme, le site de Machu Picchu, est la réalisation architecturale inca la mieux connue au monde. Ce court article, publié par l’Encyclopædia Universalis, à Paris, en 2008, en dresse une rapide description.
Dernière venue sur la scène des cultures andines, la civilisation inca est l’une des mieux connue... more Dernière venue sur la scène des cultures andines, la civilisation inca est l’une des mieux connues, en raison des nombreuses réalisations architecturales qu’elle a laissées, et qui suscitèrent souvent l’admiration des conquérants espagnols. Cet article est une synthèse de l’histoire de la culture inca publiée par l’encyclopædia Universalis, à Paris, en 2008 qui s'adresse surtout aux lecteurs français
En los Andes del sur, a la etapa comprendida entre aproximadamente 1600 a. C. a 400 d. C. se Ie c... more En los Andes del sur, a la etapa comprendida entre aproximadamente 1600 a. C. a 400 d. C. se Ie conoce como Periodo Formativo. Se caracteriza por la aparici6n de las primeras comunidades agroalfareras, agroganaderas 0 de subsistencia basada en la pesca asi como en el f/orecimiento de las primeras formas de organizaci6n religiosa y politica. Las regiones meridionales de Potosi, en el sur de Bolivia, presentan varios sitios que corresponden a esta epoca que recientemente han sido estudiados. En su mayoria se trata de pequeiias aldeas que muestran aun Los restos de sus estructuras (viviendas de barro 0 piedra y terrazas de cuLtivo). En este ensayo se presentan las caracteristicas de la ocupacion de esta epoca en Potosi, haciendo enfasis en el patron de asentamiento y La alfareria. Estos datos permiten pLantear aLgunas hip6tesis sobre Las relaciones que pudieron con areas vecinas. Abstract THE FORMATIVE PERIOD IN SOUTHERN POTOSI, BOLIVIA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT * Instituto Frances de Estudios Andinos, 20 Cite Verte, 94370 Sucy-en-Brie, Francia. Fax: (33.1) 45 900586. email: [email protected]
Bulletin De L Institut Francais D Etudes Andines, 1997
Page 1. BULLETIN ».Institui Fríhçíb tii.ii!. л-.. Ni ■ Bulletin de l'Institut Français d... more Page 1. BULLETIN ».Institui Fríhçíb tii.ii!. л-.. Ni ■ Bulletin de l'Institut Français d'Etudes Andines Instituto Francés de Estudios Andinos Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Francia [email protected] FRANCIA 1997 ...
Situated in the heart of the Vilcabamba cordillera in Peru, some 150 km northwest of Cuzco, the a... more Situated in the heart of the Vilcabamba cordillera in Peru, some 150 km northwest of Cuzco, the ancient Inca state
capital, Choqek’iraw or Choquequirao (“the golden cradle” in Quechua), is one of the most beautiful achievements of
Inca architecture, and one of the very few pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, the only one known from
Inca times. This article will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the walls convey cosmological significance
and are laid out following textile principles. After describing the site and its geo-cultural setting, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in an attempt to grasp their meaning. Finally, the author suggests that some of
the scenes depicted could have been inspired by pre-Columbian myths and could be linked to astronomical concepts.
Choqek’iraw, in the heart of theVilcabamba
cordillera, in Peru, some 150 km from the former Inca... more Choqek’iraw, in the heart of theVilcabamba
cordillera, in Peru, some 150 km from the former Inca State capital Cuzco, is one of the
very few Pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, and the only known one from
Inca times. This paper will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the
walls convey cosmological significance and are laid out following textile principles.
We will first describe the site and its geo-cultural setting. Then, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in attempt to grasp their meaning. We
conclude this paper by suggesting that some of the scenes depicted might have been
inspired by pre-Columbian myths and might be linked to astronomical concepts.
Considéré comme l’un des sites majeurs de la culture inca, Choqek’iraw ou Choque
Quirao (le berc... more Considéré comme l’un des sites majeurs de la culture inca, Choqek’iraw ou Choque
Quirao (le berceau de l’or, en langue quechua) est localisé dans les Andes péruviennes
au coeur de la cordillère de Vilcabamba, à quelque 160 km au nord-ouest de
la ville de Cuzco, à la limite des départements de Cuzco et d’Apurímac.
De 2003 à 2006, une équipe franco-péruvienne y a mené plusieurs campagnes de
fouilles. Les résultats permettent de brosser un tableau de l’histoire du site, tout en
suggérant une occupation plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée ; elle pourrait
dater de la fin de l’Horizon moyen, entre 500 et 1000 apr. J.-C.
En 2004, un nouveau projet archéologique français voyait le jour au Pérou, sur le site inca de Ch... more En 2004, un nouveau projet archéologique français voyait le jour au Pérou, sur le site inca de Choqek’iraw et Archéologia était la première revue à en révéler l’existence. Aujourd’hui, la découverte de décorations murales exceptionnelles dans les Andes et les nombreux travaux qui y ont été menés donnent une idée nouvelle sur le rôle de ce site au cours de son histoire précolombienne.
In 2004, a new French archaeological project was created in Peru on the Inca site of Choqek'iraw, and Archéologia was the first magazine to reveal its existence in France.
Today, the discovery of unique wall decorations in the Andes
and many studies that have been conducted to give a new idea on the role this site during his pre-Columbian history
Au cœur des Andes péruviennes se niche un site méconnu, le dernier bastion de l'Empire inca. La d... more Au cœur des Andes péruviennes se niche un site méconnu, le dernier bastion de l'Empire inca. La découverte récente de mosaïques de lamas pose la question du rôle rituel de ce site.
Niché au coeur de la Cordillère de Vilcabamba, quelque 160 km au nord-ouest
de Cuzco, l’ancienne ... more Niché au coeur de la Cordillère de Vilcabamba, quelque 160 km au nord-ouest de Cuzco, l’ancienne capitale de l’empire inca, le site de Choqek’iraw, « le berceau de l’or » en langue quechua, est considéré comme l’une des plus belles réalisations architecturales inca. Mais les fouilles que nous venons de réaliser, en août dernier, dans un secteur résidentiel spécifique de l’agglomération (le n° 9) suggèrent une occupation beaucoup plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée : elle pourrait dater de la période formative, de ±1000 av. J.-C. à ± 300 apr. J.-C.
This paper illustrates the occupation of the Yura Valley and the Porco area, localized in the sou... more This paper illustrates the occupation of the Yura Valley and the Porco area, localized in the southern part of the Potosí department, Bolivia, during the Late Intermediate Period
(AD 1100-1400) and the Late Horizon (AD 1400-1532). In the first part of this work, I introduce the ethnohistorical sources that are linked with this important mining area. In the second part, I describe the archaeological data, including the settlement pattern of the most important sites and the principal styles of local ceramics: Yura, Huruquilla,
Chaqui-Condoriri, Chilpe, Caranga, exploring their origins. In the conclusion de this essay, I analyze all the information collected, both historical and archaeological data, in order to better understand, what strategies did the Inka use to conquer this region and control it for its benefit
Anuario, Archivo y Biblioteca Nacional de Bolivia, Sucre, 2003
Desde 1994, se viene realizando, de manera sistemática, una serie de prospecciones arqueológicas ... more Desde 1994, se viene realizando, de manera sistemática, una serie de prospecciones arqueológicas en diferentes zonas del departamento de Potosi (Yura, Porco, Betanzos, Caiza D y Tomas Fría) con el fin de elaborar la carta arqueológica de la región, identificando particularmente los sitios de los Horizontes Formativo (1500 a.C. - 500 d.C.), Medio (500-1200 d.C.), y los del periodo Intermedio Tardío (1100-1300) relacionados con la expansión de Tiwanaku y el desarrollo de la federación Charka-Qaraqara en el sur de Bolivia y alrededor del cerro de Porco. Estas prospecciones permitieron también ubicar varios sitios de tradición inka, cuyo estudio no formaron parte de nuestras primeras metas. Este trabajo presenta una síntesis de los resultados de estos trabajos. Anuario del Archivo y Biblioteca Nacional de Bolivia, Sucre, 2003, p. 297-335
Situated between the big salares of Coipasa in the North and Uyuni in the South, the Cordillera I... more Situated between the big salares of Coipasa in the North and Uyuni in the South, the Cordillera Intersalar remains one of the main centres in the exploitation of salt which is a significant source of income for the inhabi¬tants of the neighbouring puna . In the XIVe century, this area was split between several warlike Aymara tribes: in the East and North-Est, the Quillacas-Asanaques, Sevaruyos-Haracapis and Aullagas-Uru¬quillas, constituting the big KILLAKAS federation ; in the North-West, the Carangas, in the South, the Lipez. In the early XVe century, the Incas conquered the area and imposed a complete restructuration of the established order. In the XVIe century, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores lead to the total collapse of the old socio-political structure, the “reduction” of pre-existing villages in new centres and the decline of the population. People were killed by epidemics or wars or were forced to work as mitayocs in the sil¬ver mines of Potosi or Salinas de Garci Mendoza. The discovery of 110 archaeological sites would confirm the historical account. The study of the numerous ceramic artefacts collected on the sites allows us to define six big periods of occupancy : Formative Horizon, Ancient Intermediary, Middle Horizon, Late Intermediary, Inca, and the Colo¬nial and Contemporary periods. There remain very few vestiges of the oldest periods, but 40 sites belong to the Expansive Tiwanaku and late Intermediary pe¬riod. They are essentially large fortified villages known as Pucaras, built on the top or sides of hills and situated near small water sources or rivers, and were constructed either during the Middle Horizon with the spread of the Tiwanaku culture and during the Late Intermediary pe¬riod. Ceramic items are essentially characterized by jars, utilitarian bowls and ritual cups or kerus, decorated with geometrical designs painted in black on a red or a grey background, which belong to the Quillacas or Taltape type and the so called “Colla” or “Mallcu” style which appeared soon after the collapse of Tiwanaku in the XIIe century. This paper, adapted from a PH.D presented in Paris, in 1991, describes the occupation of this area during the pre-Columbian era, focusing on the settlement pattern, the ceramic and the history of this area.
A new look at Choqek'iraw (Choque Quira). An Inca site in the heart of the Vilcabamba Cordillera,... more A new look at Choqek'iraw (Choque Quira). An Inca site in the heart of the Vilcabamba Cordillera, Peru
Situated in the heart of the Vilcabamba cordillera in Peru, some 150 km northwest of Cuzco, the ancient Inca state capital, Choqek’iraw or Choquequirao (« the golden cradle » in Quechua), is one of the most beautiful achievements of Inca architecture, and one of the very few pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics showing geometric figures and llama caravans climbing the mountainside, the only one known from Inca times. Ethnohistoric sources suggest that Choqek'iraw was one of the Tupac Inca Yupanqui’s palaces, but the excavations we conducted in peripheral residential areas suggest a much earlier occupation; it could begin at the end of the Formative Horizon or the early Intermediate Period, dated from 200 to 500 AD, and continue during the Late Intermediate (1000-1300 AD), characterized by Killke and Chanka ceramics. Several elements also suggest that figures represented on the mosaics convey cosmological significance and are laid out following textile principles. Finally, the orientation of some buildings with the cardinal points and the presence of a truncated hill considered as an astronomical observatory, an ushnu, reinforce this hypothesis, suggesting that Choqek'iraw could have played the role of a regional agro-pastoral calendar and be considered as a important ritual centre or wak'a, and an oracular shrine dedicated to the triple Inca tripe divinity of the Lightning. This book stems from an extensive French-Peruvian archaeological project conducted from 2003 to 2006, as part of a cooperation agreement between the French and Peruvian governments related to the execution of transactions for the Debt Conversion Sustainable Development. It presents the results of the excavations that have been carried out, but also new hypotheses about the role - including symbolic - that this site may have played. It is so far the most complete work available on Choqek’iraw.
I l y a quelques années à peine, les images satellites, réservées le plus souvent à un usage mili... more I l y a quelques années à peine, les images satellites, réservées le plus souvent à un usage militaire ou professionnel, étaient d'un accès difficile. Aujourd'hui plusieurs sites internet (Live Search Maps, NaSa World Wind, Google Earth, Géoportail pour la France…) permettent de les consulter gratuitement mais elles sont très inégales, dans le sens où elles varient considérablement dans leur résolution (entre 0,1 m et 15 m par pixel). Si naSa World Wind offre l'avantage de proposer des « photos » en fausses couleurs 1 , c'est pour l'instant Google Earth qui présente celles ayant la meilleure résolution, et les couvertures à haute définition ne cessent de se rajouter à la base actuelle. L'ensemble du monde est en effet couvert à 15 m par pixel et certains secteurs sont reproduits, de façon exceptionnelle, jusqu'à 15 cm par pixel 2 .
Situated in the heart of the cordillera of Vilcabamba in Peru,
some 160 km northwest of Cusco, t... more Situated in the heart of the cordillera of Vilcabamba in Peru,
some 160 km northwest of Cusco, the site of Choquequirao,
or Choqek’iraw (‘the golden cradle’ in Quechua) is one of
the most beautiful achievements of Inca architecture. Like
Machu Picchu, it is a palace with a very fine architecture
and an elaborate civic plan that is perfectly incorporated
in the landscape.
Located on the borders of the departments of Cusco and
Apurímac, Choqek’iraw stands at an altitude of 3200 m on
the crest and steep slopes of a mountainous spur on the
massif of the same name. It harbours countless architectural
remains: terraces, temples, warehouses, fountains and
canals, as well as a truncated hill local archaeologists have
termed ‘ushnu’ – even if it is not the type of feature generally
referred to as such in the archaeological literature.
This chapter will argue that, in spite of its appearance,
this hillock has most of the characteristics of the Inca ceremonial
platforms much of the archaeological literature
has termed ‘ushnu’. Apart from its architectural meaning,
the concept of ‘ushnu’ also refers to a complex symbolic
notion, closely connected to the idea of the centre of a
‘sacred space’ (sensu Eliade 2010 [1957]), which could
well apply to the case of the site of Choqek’iraw
In the Central Cordillera of the Andes in Peru, the Ayacucho region offers a landscape of mountai... more In the Central Cordillera of the Andes in Peru, the Ayacucho region offers a landscape of mountains and
deep, warm valleys, whose vast ecological diversity has encouraged human settlement from the Archaic
period, 10,000 years ago, up to the present day. The Choquek’iraw-Chanca project, initiated in 2007, aims
at understanding the process of occupation in one part of this region, the ‘La Mar’ province (so-called
Oreja de Perro, ‘dog’s ear’), which is located between 1,000 and 4,500m altitude, in the north-east of Ayacucho
(the regional capital).
Two survey campaigns were carried out in this area. These indicated a significant regional occupation
that began soon after the Formative Period (± 500 BC) and continued through the Inca era (1532 AD),
with a stronger presence of sites from the Late Intermediate period (1000 to 1400 AD), probably belonging
to the Chanka. Today, there are still a few hamlets of people speaking the Quechua dialect and their
rural lifestyle seems to be similar to that of pre-Columbian times.
Preliminary work on high definition satellite images from Google Earth enabled us to identify a few
archaeological sites (villages and ceremonial centres). By surveying on foot, we discovered other sites that
were not visible on Google Earth (burials in rock shelters, agriculture terraces and ancient roads). Each
site has been properly recorded and referenced by GPS points (UTM WGS 84). This helps us integrate all
the information recorded on the ground into a computer database and a Geographic Information System
(GIS). The distribution of archaeological sites – most of which are Chanka villages – can then be shown
on different base maps. The GIS also provides the opportunity to make thematic maps carry out spatial
analysis via digital terrain model (DTM), e.g. slopes, site inter-visibility and visibility between sites and
their environments, which allowed us to understand the different patterns of landscape occupation.
Dans cet article nous analysons les problèmes posés par l’identification des groupes ethniques ap... more Dans cet article nous analysons les problèmes posés par l’identification des groupes ethniques appartenant à la confédération Quillacas-Asanaques du sud de l’altiplano bolivien à partir du matériel céramique (Puqui, Yura, Taltape-Quillacas) recueilli dans la région intersalar, au nord du salar d’Uyuni, au cours de prospections réalisées entre 1983 et 1998. Ce travail fait partie intégrante du projet Uyuni, présenté dans l’ouvrage : Uyuni Préhispanique (BAR, 798, 1999), et du Projet archéologique Potosi, réalisé de 1994 à 1998. L’article a été présenté lors du colloque : Saberes y memoria en los Andes, organisé à Paris en 1997, à la mémoire de Thierry Saignes
In this article we analyse the problems posed by the identification of ethnic groups of the Confederation Quillacas-Asanaques, from the southern Bolivian Altiplano, from ceramic materials (Puqui, Yura, Taltape-Quillacas) collected in the northern part of Uyuni Salt Lake, during surveys carried out between 1983 and 1998. This work is part of Uyuni project, presented in the book: Prehispanic Uyuni (BAR, 798, 1999), and Potosi Archaeology Project, carried out 1994-1998. This paper was presented in the meeting: Saberes y memoria en los Andes, which took place in Paris, in 1997, in Memory to Thierry Saignes.
Ubicado en el corazón de la cordillera de Vilcabamba, al límite de los departamentos de Cuzco y A... more Ubicado en el corazón de la cordillera de Vilcabamba, al límite de los departamentos de Cuzco y Apurímac, Choqek’iraw o Choque Quirao (la cuna de oro, en quechua) es uno de los sitios más emblemáticos de la cultura inca. De 2003 a 2006 un equipo franco-peruano—financiado por el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Francia—, llevó a cabo varias excavaciones con el fin de comprender la historia de este sitio, su función y la naturaleza de su ocupación, tratando de comprobar la veracidad de las fuentes etnohistóricas. Son los resultados de estos trabajos que se presentan en este articulo.
n 2004, a new French archaeological project was created in Peru on the Inca site of Choqek'iraw, ... more n 2004, a new French archaeological project was created in Peru on the Inca site of Choqek'iraw, and Archéologia was the first magazine to reveal its existence in France. Today, the discovery of unique wall decorations in the Andes and many studies that have been conducted to give a new idea on the role this site during his pre-Columbian history
In Bolivia, the great Sallt lake of Uyuni is the main centers to provided salt, which is on of th... more In Bolivia, the great Sallt lake of Uyuni is the main centers to provided salt, which is on of the most important ressources of the inhabitants from the high puna. Carried each year, by llamas's caravans down to other area, as far as oriental valleys, where it is bartered, it helps each community to obtain complementary row material such as maize, aji, wood, coca…wich is necessary to their subsistence. This paper, dated from 1986, is one of the first to be publish in a magazine about this tradition. At that time, very few people (even Bolivian citizen) know Uyuni salt lake… It is now the main touristic spot of Bolivia, but there is no more llamas caravan.
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Papers by Patrice Lecoq
In the south of the Bolivian Altiplano, the Uyuni region is a natural and cultural heritage of great interest for tourism and the national and potosinian economy. It also has numerous lakes and mountains, unparalleled desert and lunar mountain landscapes, volcanoes and geysers, a unique flora and fauna, - highlighting a remarkable variety of lakes and flamingos - who live in a still fragile ecosystem - and innumerable indigenous colonial villages. However, the uncontrolable development of adventure tourism and the exploitation of lithium threathen their environment and totally change the way of life of its inhabitants. This article, written in 1995, when tourism was just beginning, gives some guidelines of what could happen in the future if it can not be controlled.
capital, Choqek’iraw or Choquequirao (“the golden cradle” in Quechua), is one of the most beautiful achievements of
Inca architecture, and one of the very few pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, the only one known from
Inca times. This article will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the walls convey cosmological significance
and are laid out following textile principles. After describing the site and its geo-cultural setting, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in an attempt to grasp their meaning. Finally, the author suggests that some of
the scenes depicted could have been inspired by pre-Columbian myths and could be linked to astronomical concepts.
cordillera, in Peru, some 150 km from the former Inca State capital Cuzco, is one of the
very few Pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, and the only known one from
Inca times. This paper will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the
walls convey cosmological significance and are laid out following textile principles.
We will first describe the site and its geo-cultural setting. Then, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in attempt to grasp their meaning. We
conclude this paper by suggesting that some of the scenes depicted might have been
inspired by pre-Columbian myths and might be linked to astronomical concepts.
Quirao (le berceau de l’or, en langue quechua) est localisé dans les Andes péruviennes
au coeur de la cordillère de Vilcabamba, à quelque 160 km au nord-ouest de
la ville de Cuzco, à la limite des départements de Cuzco et d’Apurímac.
De 2003 à 2006, une équipe franco-péruvienne y a mené plusieurs campagnes de
fouilles. Les résultats permettent de brosser un tableau de l’histoire du site, tout en
suggérant une occupation plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée ; elle pourrait
dater de la fin de l’Horizon moyen, entre 500 et 1000 apr. J.-C.
In 2004, a new French archaeological project was created in Peru on the Inca site of Choqek'iraw, and Archéologia was the first magazine to reveal its existence in France.
Today, the discovery of unique wall decorations in the Andes
and many studies that have been conducted to give a new idea on the role this site during his pre-Columbian history
de Cuzco, l’ancienne capitale de l’empire inca, le site de Choqek’iraw, « le berceau de
l’or » en langue quechua, est considéré comme l’une des plus belles réalisations
architecturales inca. Mais les fouilles que nous venons de réaliser, en août dernier, dans
un secteur résidentiel spécifique de l’agglomération (le n° 9) suggèrent une occupation
beaucoup plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée : elle pourrait dater de la période
formative, de ±1000 av. J.-C. à ± 300 apr. J.-C.
(AD 1100-1400) and the Late Horizon (AD 1400-1532). In the first part of this work, I introduce the ethnohistorical sources that are linked with this important mining area. In the second part, I describe the archaeological data, including the settlement pattern of the most important sites and the principal styles of local ceramics: Yura, Huruquilla,
Chaqui-Condoriri, Chilpe, Caranga, exploring their origins. In the conclusion de this essay, I analyze all the information collected, both historical and archaeological data, in order to better understand, what strategies did the Inka use to conquer this region and control it for its benefit
In the south of the Bolivian Altiplano, the Uyuni region is a natural and cultural heritage of great interest for tourism and the national and potosinian economy. It also has numerous lakes and mountains, unparalleled desert and lunar mountain landscapes, volcanoes and geysers, a unique flora and fauna, - highlighting a remarkable variety of lakes and flamingos - who live in a still fragile ecosystem - and innumerable indigenous colonial villages. However, the uncontrolable development of adventure tourism and the exploitation of lithium threathen their environment and totally change the way of life of its inhabitants. This article, written in 1995, when tourism was just beginning, gives some guidelines of what could happen in the future if it can not be controlled.
capital, Choqek’iraw or Choquequirao (“the golden cradle” in Quechua), is one of the most beautiful achievements of
Inca architecture, and one of the very few pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, the only one known from
Inca times. This article will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the walls convey cosmological significance
and are laid out following textile principles. After describing the site and its geo-cultural setting, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in an attempt to grasp their meaning. Finally, the author suggests that some of
the scenes depicted could have been inspired by pre-Columbian myths and could be linked to astronomical concepts.
cordillera, in Peru, some 150 km from the former Inca State capital Cuzco, is one of the
very few Pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics, and the only known one from
Inca times. This paper will attempt to demonstrate that the figures represented on the
walls convey cosmological significance and are laid out following textile principles.
We will first describe the site and its geo-cultural setting. Then, the mosaics’ main
characteristics will be examined in detail, in attempt to grasp their meaning. We
conclude this paper by suggesting that some of the scenes depicted might have been
inspired by pre-Columbian myths and might be linked to astronomical concepts.
Quirao (le berceau de l’or, en langue quechua) est localisé dans les Andes péruviennes
au coeur de la cordillère de Vilcabamba, à quelque 160 km au nord-ouest de
la ville de Cuzco, à la limite des départements de Cuzco et d’Apurímac.
De 2003 à 2006, une équipe franco-péruvienne y a mené plusieurs campagnes de
fouilles. Les résultats permettent de brosser un tableau de l’histoire du site, tout en
suggérant une occupation plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée ; elle pourrait
dater de la fin de l’Horizon moyen, entre 500 et 1000 apr. J.-C.
In 2004, a new French archaeological project was created in Peru on the Inca site of Choqek'iraw, and Archéologia was the first magazine to reveal its existence in France.
Today, the discovery of unique wall decorations in the Andes
and many studies that have been conducted to give a new idea on the role this site during his pre-Columbian history
de Cuzco, l’ancienne capitale de l’empire inca, le site de Choqek’iraw, « le berceau de
l’or » en langue quechua, est considéré comme l’une des plus belles réalisations
architecturales inca. Mais les fouilles que nous venons de réaliser, en août dernier, dans
un secteur résidentiel spécifique de l’agglomération (le n° 9) suggèrent une occupation
beaucoup plus ancienne que celle qui lui est attribuée : elle pourrait dater de la période
formative, de ±1000 av. J.-C. à ± 300 apr. J.-C.
(AD 1100-1400) and the Late Horizon (AD 1400-1532). In the first part of this work, I introduce the ethnohistorical sources that are linked with this important mining area. In the second part, I describe the archaeological data, including the settlement pattern of the most important sites and the principal styles of local ceramics: Yura, Huruquilla,
Chaqui-Condoriri, Chilpe, Caranga, exploring their origins. In the conclusion de this essay, I analyze all the information collected, both historical and archaeological data, in order to better understand, what strategies did the Inka use to conquer this region and control it for its benefit
In the XIVe century, this area was split between several warlike Aymara tribes: in the East and North-Est, the Quillacas-Asanaques, Sevaruyos-Haracapis and Aullagas-Uru¬quillas, constituting the big KILLAKAS federation ; in the North-West, the Carangas, in the South, the Lipez. In the early XVe century, the Incas conquered the area and imposed a complete restructuration of the established order. In the XVIe century, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores lead to the total collapse of the old socio-political structure, the “reduction” of pre-existing villages in new centres and the decline of the population. People were killed by epidemics or wars or were forced to work as mitayocs in the sil¬ver mines of Potosi or Salinas de Garci Mendoza.
The discovery of 110 archaeological sites would confirm the historical account. The study of the numerous ceramic artefacts collected on the sites allows us to define six big periods of occupancy : Formative Horizon, Ancient Intermediary, Middle Horizon, Late Intermediary, Inca, and the Colo¬nial and Contemporary periods. There remain very few vestiges of the oldest periods, but 40 sites belong to the Expansive Tiwanaku and late Intermediary pe¬riod. They are essentially large fortified villages known as Pucaras, built on the top or sides of hills and situated near small water sources or rivers, and were constructed either during the Middle Horizon with the spread of the Tiwanaku culture and during the Late Intermediary pe¬riod.
Ceramic items are essentially characterized by jars, utilitarian bowls and ritual cups or kerus, decorated with geometrical designs painted in black on a red or a grey background, which belong to the Quillacas or Taltape type and the so called “Colla” or “Mallcu” style which appeared soon after the collapse of Tiwanaku in the XIIe century.
This paper, adapted from a PH.D presented in Paris, in 1991, describes the occupation of this area during the pre-Columbian era, focusing on the settlement pattern, the ceramic and the history of this area.
Situated in the heart of the Vilcabamba cordillera in Peru, some 150 km northwest of Cuzco, the ancient Inca state capital, Choqek’iraw or Choquequirao (« the golden cradle » in Quechua), is one of the most beautiful achievements of Inca architecture, and one of the very few pre-Hispanic sites displaying large wall mosaics showing geometric figures and llama caravans climbing the mountainside, the only one known from Inca times.
Ethnohistoric sources suggest that Choqek'iraw was one of the Tupac Inca Yupanqui’s palaces, but the excavations we conducted in peripheral residential areas suggest a much earlier occupation; it could begin at the end of the Formative Horizon or the early Intermediate Period, dated from 200 to 500 AD, and continue during the Late Intermediate (1000-1300 AD), characterized by Killke and Chanka ceramics. Several elements also suggest that figures represented on the mosaics convey cosmological significance and are laid out following textile principles.
Finally, the orientation of some buildings with the cardinal points and the presence of a truncated hill considered as an astronomical observatory, an ushnu, reinforce this hypothesis, suggesting that Choqek'iraw could have played the role of a regional agro-pastoral calendar and be considered as a important ritual centre or wak'a, and an oracular shrine dedicated to the triple Inca tripe divinity of the Lightning.
This book stems from an extensive French-Peruvian archaeological project conducted from 2003 to 2006, as part of a cooperation agreement between the French and Peruvian governments related to the execution of transactions for the Debt Conversion Sustainable Development. It presents the results of the excavations that have been carried out, but also new hypotheses about the role - including symbolic - that this site may have played. It is so far the most complete work available on Choqek’iraw.
some 160 km northwest of Cusco, the site of Choquequirao,
or Choqek’iraw (‘the golden cradle’ in Quechua) is one of
the most beautiful achievements of Inca architecture. Like
Machu Picchu, it is a palace with a very fine architecture
and an elaborate civic plan that is perfectly incorporated
in the landscape.
Located on the borders of the departments of Cusco and
Apurímac, Choqek’iraw stands at an altitude of 3200 m on
the crest and steep slopes of a mountainous spur on the
massif of the same name. It harbours countless architectural
remains: terraces, temples, warehouses, fountains and
canals, as well as a truncated hill local archaeologists have
termed ‘ushnu’ – even if it is not the type of feature generally
referred to as such in the archaeological literature.
This chapter will argue that, in spite of its appearance,
this hillock has most of the characteristics of the Inca ceremonial
platforms much of the archaeological literature
has termed ‘ushnu’. Apart from its architectural meaning,
the concept of ‘ushnu’ also refers to a complex symbolic
notion, closely connected to the idea of the centre of a
‘sacred space’ (sensu Eliade 2010 [1957]), which could
well apply to the case of the site of Choqek’iraw
deep, warm valleys, whose vast ecological diversity has encouraged human settlement from the Archaic
period, 10,000 years ago, up to the present day. The Choquek’iraw-Chanca project, initiated in 2007, aims
at understanding the process of occupation in one part of this region, the ‘La Mar’ province (so-called
Oreja de Perro, ‘dog’s ear’), which is located between 1,000 and 4,500m altitude, in the north-east of Ayacucho
(the regional capital).
Two survey campaigns were carried out in this area. These indicated a significant regional occupation
that began soon after the Formative Period (± 500 BC) and continued through the Inca era (1532 AD),
with a stronger presence of sites from the Late Intermediate period (1000 to 1400 AD), probably belonging
to the Chanka. Today, there are still a few hamlets of people speaking the Quechua dialect and their
rural lifestyle seems to be similar to that of pre-Columbian times.
Preliminary work on high definition satellite images from Google Earth enabled us to identify a few
archaeological sites (villages and ceremonial centres). By surveying on foot, we discovered other sites that
were not visible on Google Earth (burials in rock shelters, agriculture terraces and ancient roads). Each
site has been properly recorded and referenced by GPS points (UTM WGS 84). This helps us integrate all
the information recorded on the ground into a computer database and a Geographic Information System
(GIS). The distribution of archaeological sites – most of which are Chanka villages – can then be shown
on different base maps. The GIS also provides the opportunity to make thematic maps carry out spatial
analysis via digital terrain model (DTM), e.g. slopes, site inter-visibility and visibility between sites and
their environments, which allowed us to understand the different patterns of landscape occupation.
In this article we analyse the problems posed by the identification of ethnic groups of the Confederation Quillacas-Asanaques, from the southern Bolivian Altiplano, from ceramic materials (Puqui, Yura, Taltape-Quillacas) collected in the northern part of Uyuni Salt Lake, during surveys carried out between 1983 and 1998. This work is part of Uyuni project, presented in the book: Prehispanic Uyuni (BAR, 798, 1999), and Potosi Archaeology Project, carried out 1994-1998. This paper was presented in the meeting: Saberes y memoria en los Andes, which took place in Paris, in 1997, in Memory to Thierry Saignes.
cultura inca.
De 2003 a 2006 un equipo franco-peruano—financiado por el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Francia—, llevó a cabo varias excavaciones con el fin de comprender la historia de este sitio, su función y
la naturaleza de su ocupación, tratando de comprobar la veracidad de las fuentes etnohistóricas. Son los resultados de estos trabajos que se presentan en este articulo.
Today, the discovery of unique wall decorations in the Andes
and many studies that have been conducted to give a new idea on the role this site during his pre-Columbian history
This paper, dated from 1986, is one of the first to be publish in a magazine about this tradition. At that time, very few people (even Bolivian citizen) know Uyuni salt lake… It is now the main touristic spot of Bolivia, but there is no more llamas caravan.