Ancient Warrior Vessel Discovered at Chankillo, The Oldest Solar Observatory in the Americas [View all]

Archaeologists have uncovered a fragmented vessel depicting a warrior at Chankillo, the oldest solar observatory in the Americas, located in Peru’s Casma Valley.



This rare find links ancient solar ceremonies to the military and political power of elite groups over 2,300 years ago, offering new insights into the ceremonial and societal practices of the Casma culture.

Discovery of the Patazca-Style Warrior Vessel
The vessel, crafted in the Patazca style, was deliberately broken, likely as part of a ritual offering or during a conflict-related event. Patazca ceramics, produced in the northern coastal Andes around 500 BCE–200 CE, are characterized by highly detailed figurative designs, often depicting humans, animals, and scenes of combat or ritual.

These vessels frequently show expressive figures in dynamic poses, reflecting both daily life and ceremonial practices. The style is associated with the Casma culture, known for its complex society, monumental architecture, and sophisticated ceremonial traditions.

Located near the entrance to the Chankillo Solar Observatory, the vessel emphasizes the ceremonial role of such objects in religious practices tied to solar observation. Researchers link the warrior imagery to the Fortified Temple, a central hub for political, military, and ritual activities of the elite.

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https://arkeonews.net/ancient-warrior-vessel-discovered-at-chankillo-the-oldest-solar-observatory-in-the-americas/