The Orientation of Chullpas (Grave Towers) in the Lauca River Valley of the Bolivian Central High Plateau

Gangui A.; Ricra J. · Journal of Skyscape Archaeology (2025) · DOI: 10.1558/jsa.34098

Resumen

We here present the results of an analysis of the precise spatial orientation of numerous groups of chullpa funerary towers located in the Lauca River valley of the Bolivian central high plains. We measured the entrances of 80 towers, constructed mainly from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries AD. Our data shows that their orientations match neither the location of prominent lagoons in the area nor the position of snow-capped volcanoes associated with the cult of the ancestors, thus ruling out a significant topographic orientation. The statistical weight of the orientation pattern in our analysis suggests that the planning and construction of these towers was guided by the rising Sun, although favouring directions pointing north of due east, and which correspond to autumn and winter months. This coincides with the dry season, when community members would not be busy with agricultural activities and could devote themselves to the construction of chullpas, which are characteristic landmarks in the landscape and unique monuments honouring their forefathers.