Exceptional Anthropomorphic Figures at the Monte Calvario Site, Poro Poro, Cajamarca, Peru

Barrau M.S.; Benítez D.C. · Anthropomorphic Images in Rock Art Paintings and Rock Carvings (2020)

Resumen

This article presents a set of exceptional anthropomorphic images that were painted at the Monte Calvario site, located within the Poro Poro Archaeological Complex, Department of Cajamarca, Peru. These expressions are described with spatial, temporal and cultural parameters defined in order to achieve a solid foundation, in which anthropological and ethnohistorical data are added and analysed. The result was amazing because we were able to define a sacred space in which ritual and ceremonial activities related to the cult of mythical ancestors, water and fertility were performed. Furthermore, the identification of seven anthropomorphic figures representing shamans, four of them integrating couples and the set of large anthropomorphic images, was crucial in reinforcing the idea of their role in mediating with deities. The Poro Poro Archaeological Complex covers an area of approximately eight square kilometres, and in four field seasons we conducted surveys that involved the recording of five architectural units, rock art expressions, besides carrying out out a stratigraphic survey at the foot of Panel 6 of Monte Calvario, that is, below most of the representations that we are dealing with on this occasion. © Archaeopress and authors 2020.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas