 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||
 |
|||
 |
Peru Trujillo Chan Chan Archaeological Site
The archaeological site of Chan Chan is located near the Pacific coast, close to the city of Trujillo in Northern Peru. Covering an area of 36 square miles, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, the city was the centre of government for the Chimú kingdom. The Chimú, which developed from the Moche, were to become the prominent civilisation in the region from around 850 to 1470 CE when they were subdued by the Inca. The Empire of the Chimú stretched 600 miles from just south of Ecuador down to central Peru. The name of their main city, Chan Chan, is believed to have originated from the Chimú language, possibly meaning "Sun Sun" or "Great Sun", reflecting the importance of the sun in Chimú culture. The site was already known as Chan Chan when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, but the exact time it was given this name remains unclear. Some scholars suggest it was named during the height of the Chimú Empire. Chan Chan is the largest pre-Colombian city in South America. Constructed of adobe (mud bricks) it is the largest adobe city in the world with some 10,000 structures and is believed to have housed between 40,000 and 60,000 people. The city's layout reflects advanced urban planning, with areas designated for artisans, farmers, and the elite. The city’s structure shows the social and political status of its occupants, with the nobility and elite living in the centre. Composed of ten citadels, each of which is surrounded by walls as high as 30 feet (9 metres), with each citadel belonging to a specific ruler. When the ruler died, he was buried in the palace and a new royal compound was built by his successor. Although only ten citadels have been found, due to the fact that each ruler would have its own citadel and the length of time that they habited Chan Chan, it is quite possible that a number of other citadels have still to be uncovered.   Chimú was the political, economic, and cultural hub of the Chimú kingdom. Its economy was based on agriculture, which, due to the dry region, required a sophisticated network of irrigation canals and wells. They developed and constructed systems for irrigation that were not known in Europe until the late 19th century and within the city is an extensive network of canals and reservoirs to irrigate crops and support the population. An example of such a reservoir, measuring 148 meters (162 yards) long, 48 meters (52 yards) wide, and 4 meters (13 feet) deep, can be seen.  The city is known for its intricate adobe architecture, including large walled complexes called "Ciudadela," which served as royal residences. The Ciudadela was also the centres of administration and ceremonial activities. The walls of its structures were often adorned with intricate reliefs depicting animals, fish, geometric patterns, and mythological figures. The main area and the one open to visitors is the Tschudi Citadel, which is now known as Palacio Nik An, which is believed to be one of the later citadels built in the city. Named after the archaeologist who studied the complex, it is possible that it housed up to 1,000 people connected to the leader’s household and administrative requirements. This is known as the Palacio Nik An and is one of the ten walled complexes within the archaeological site. Having undergone significant reconstruction, it is the most studied and has been open to visitors since 1964. It features high walls, ceremonial plazas, intricate friezes, and adoratories decorated with marine life motifs, reflecting the Chimú people's connection to the ocean. The main ceremonial courtyard or plaza was used for rituals, governance, and religious ceremonies. The raised platform, may have served as a waiting area for subjects requesting an audience with the king.  At the entrance at the rear of the plaza are a pair of wooden Chimu men who are believed to represent palace guards. These statues were also placed in ceremonial corridors. Each statue is 70 cm (27.5 inches) tall with a beige clay mask, creating a striking contrast against the dark wood.  Around the plaza are audience halls and corridors with depictions of fish and birds.  The reliefs and motifs on Chan Chan's walls reflect the Chimú civilization's deep connection to their environment and beliefs. Birds and fish, is a recurring theme, symbolizing the Chimú's reliance on the sea for sustenance and trade.  Geometric patterns represent order and harmony, essential values in their society. Mythological figures and abstract designs may have held spiritual significance, linking the physical and metaphysical worlds. Also to be seen in the city are workshops, warehouses, and living quarters with their streets and alleyways.   The city also contains temples decorated with elaborate friezes which can stretch for hundreds of feet - all of which are surrounded by thick defensive walls. It is interesting to note that there are no steps in the city despite the different levels, these are negotiated by the use of ramps.  The holes in the walls of Chan Chan buildings served a practical purpose as they are part of a ventilation system. These lattice-like openings allow air to circulate within the structures, helping to regulate temperature and keep the interiors cool in the hot desert climate. Additionally, the design may have had aesthetic and symbolic significance, reflecting the Chimú people's artistic ingenuity.  Located in the Ciudadela is the tomb used for Chimú rulers and high-ranking individuals, reflecting the hierarchical society of the Chimú civilization.  Each ruler would be buried with gold and silver and some of the tombs were found with the remains of young women, raising questions about ritual sacrifice in Chimú society. Within the site located near the Palacio Nik An is a museum which contains exhibits explaining the Chan Chan ruins and the Chimú culture. Visitors can learn about the daily life, customs, and beliefs of the Chimú people. The museum provides insights into the site, showcasing the urban planning and architectural achievements of the Chimú civilization.  Excavation work at the site began in the mid-1960s and is still ongoing. Chan Chan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986; although it is still vulnerable to rains, flooding and earthquakes, which emphasises the urgency of the work that is being carried out in order to preserve and renovate it. Due to the deterioration of the adobe, most of the site is in poor condition and many of the buildings have been reconstructed with the carved wall reliefs being reconstructed in fibreglass and plastic. To see more photographs and take a virtual tour of the site click on the photoshow below.
|
 |
|
 |
|||
All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
| Site Map |