Chavín

expand_more Description

Chavín is considered to be a tradition and a religious cult, but does not appear to have been a strongly centralized state. Located along the coast and highlands of central and northern Peru, it existed from 2800–2200 BP The people of Chavín were sedentary agriculturalists and herders. Maize was only a minor part of their diet and may have been grown mostly for making chicha (maize beer) for religious ceremonies. Long distance trade was important and control of travel and trade through their area may have been what started the type site of Chavín de Huantar. Large, symbolically decorated ceremonial centers are present.

Identifier

Region

• South America

Subregion

• Central Andes

Subsistence Type

• agro-pastoralists

Countries

• Peru