The recently unearthed structures significantly predate the renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu by approximately 3,500 years, and were constructed well before the Inca civilization and their predecessors, according to a team of archaeologists involved with the Ucupe Cultural Landscape Archaeological Project.
The newly-discovered archaeological site, including carving of a mythological bird creature, at La Otra Banda, Cerro Las Animas, Peru. Image credit: Ucupe Cultural Landscape Archaeological Project.
“The encounter was extraordinary. This finding illuminates the early genesis of religious practices in Peru,” remarked Dr. Muro Ynoñán, an archaeologist affiliated with the Field Museum.
“Our comprehension of how and under what conditions sophisticated belief systems emerged within the Andes remains limited; however, we now possess evidence concerning some of the earliest sacred spaces that were established by inhabitants in this region.”
“The appellations these ancient people used for themselves, or by which they were known to others, are currently unknown.”
In 2023, Dr. Ynoñán and his research group unearthed the new archaeological locus at La Otra Banda in Peru.
A quadrant measuring approximately 10 by 10 meters (33 by 33 feet) was meticulously selected, and the gradual removal of millennia of accumulated sediment commenced.
At a depth of merely 1.8 meters (6 feet), indications of ancient edifices constructed from mud and clay were identified.
“It was astonishing to find such ancient constructions situated so close to the contemporary ground level,” Dr. Ynoñan stated.
As excavation proceeded to greater depths, the archaeologists uncovered evidence suggesting the site once served as a sanctuary.
“Our hypothesis is that a substantial temple was integrated into the mountainside, and we have currently identified one component of it,” Dr. Ynoñan elaborated.
“Among the most compelling discoveries was a diminutive amphitheater, complete with a dressing area and a series of steps ascending to a platform resembling a stage.”
“This space may have been utilized for ceremonial performances before a select assembly.”
Adjacent to one of the theater’s staircases, the archaeologists encountered panels fashioned from mud, adorned with intricate sculpted representations of a bird-like entity.
“It is an exceptionally beautiful and, concurrently, enigmatic motif, depicting a mythical being – akin to an anthropomorphic avian, but possessing certain reptilian characteristics,” Dr. Ynoñán commented.
“This effigy particularly captured our attention as it provides significant insights into the temple’s construction period and its relationship to other ancient edifices erected by early Andean populations.”
“Similar depictions of mythical entities, comparable to the one discovered by our team, have been recovered in Peru, dating to what archaeologists categorize as the Initial Period, approximately 4,000 years ago.”
“Notwithstanding its designation, the inhabitants of the Initial Period were not the inaugural settlers of the region; indeed, human presence in Peru extends back 15,000 years.”
“During the period from roughly 5000 to 3000 BCE, known as the Preceramic Period, communities along the Peruvian coast began to develop societal structures and complex political frameworks.”
“The Initial Period followed, commencing around 2,000 BCE and continuing until 900 BCE.”
“The Initial Period holds considerable importance as it marks the earliest period where tangible evidence of institutionalized religion in Peru becomes apparent.”
“The avian creature depicted at this temple bears resemblance to iconography originating from the Chavín region, dating to nearly 500 years later. This novel site may offer crucial insights into the origins of this religious tradition.”
