Pilgrimages, Oracles, and Andean Sanctuaries

Astuhuamán C. · The Oxford Handbook of South American Archaeology (2026)

Resumen

This chapter discusses Andean religious ideology through the analysis of archaeological and ethnohistorical approaches to the study of prehispanic cults, particularly those related to pilgrimages to shrines where oracular practices were conducted. I revisit previous archaeological research at prehispanic shrines considered emblematic ancient pilgrimage sites and confront it with information obtained from colonial documents. The data are organized by chronological and regional criteria to discuss the nature of ancient Andean cults, particularly under the Inca imperial regime. What are the possibilities and challenges to studying the material correlates of religious activities? Finally, the reader will find an interpretation of how these regional/imperial cult networks might have coexisted with the administrative organization under ancient states. © Oxford University Press 2026.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos