GRAVES OF CHACHAPOYA WARRIORS IN ABRIGOS ROCOSOS DE LA PROVINCE OF LUYA, DEPARTMENT OF AMAZONAS

Abstract

Spanish chroniclers described the Chachapoya as a confederation of several subgroups, organized into chiefdoms of varying size and complexity. They shared many features in their architecture and material culture, but slight differences in the iconography and funerary practices at the interregional level could be reminiscent of the origins and traditions of the different subgroups, which migrated over a thousand years ago to the almost uninhabited area east of the Rio Marañon. The oral tradition transmitted to the Spanish informs us of the dual organization of Chachapoya chiefdoms: The power was divided between two chiefs, one with political power and representative of the cult, and the other closely linked with military affairs. The Chachapoya were known as brave warriors who practiced trophy head-hunting. During archaeological research in rock shelters in the province of Luya (2007) several graves of presumed Chachapoya warriors were located associated with cave paintings, which depict these warriors with their weapons and the practice of trophy head-hunting. The men were buried with varied grave goods and demonstrate fractures in various parts of the body, but especially in the skull (including trepanations). The cave paintings and the presence of “late” objects indicate that the hunting of trophy heads continued until the early colonial period.