The burial platforms of Chan Chan: some social and political implications

Conrad, Geoffrey W.

essay

The burial platforms of Chan Chan: some social and political implications

chan chan: andean desert city • Albuquerque • Published In 2010 • Pages: 87-117

By: Conrad, Geoffrey W..

Abstract
This is an examination of the mortuary practices for Chimu kings. Ten compounds ([i]ciudadelas[/i]) within Chan Chan correspond with the ten kings listed in traditional histories. There are descriptions the burial platforms within the [i]ciudadelas[/i], what features they have, the number and type of cells, forecourts, additions, contents (as much as can be determined as they have been thoroughly looted), where they are located within the compounds, and their relative chronology. Additional evidence is given for patterns of use, ritual human sacrifice, and repeated ceremonies that were part of the cult of the dead king. The compounds are interpreted as the products of split inheritance: after a king's death the new king assumed his political power, while (other) heirs received his wealth, to be used in part for the continued, posthumous veneration of the ruler. The institution of split inheritance forced the new king to find wealth through taxation of the provinces or new conquests, making Chimu a military expansionist state.

Special burial practices and funerals

Chief executive

Miscellaneous structures

Mourning

Miscellaneous facilities

Inheritance

Dating methods in archaeology

Form and rules of government

Chimu

HRAF PubDate

2015

Region