Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WARI
From about AD 600 to 1100, the Andes saw the rise of the first truly expansive kingdom.
The Wari ( Click here ) were avid empire builders, expanding from their base around Ay-
acucho to a territory that occupied most of the highlands, in addition to a piece of the north-
ern coast. Expert agriculturalists, they improved production by developing the terrace sys-
tem and creating complex networks of canals for irrigation.
Like many conquering cultures in the region, the Wari built on what was already there,
usurping and adding to extant infrastructure created by smaller regional states. The coastal
ceremonial center of Pachacamac ( Click here ) , for instance, was originated by the Lima
culture, but was expanded by the Wari. This doesn't mean that there aren't definitive Wari
sites to be seen. The remains of what was once a 1500-hectare city ( Click here ) is located
outside of Ayacucho, and there is a Wari ceremonial center in Piquillacta ( Click here ) ,
near Cuzco. Unfortunately, the Wari's architecture was cruder than that of the Incas, which
means that the buildings have not aged gracefully.
In the area of weaving, however, the culture was highly skilled, producing elegant fab-
rics with elaborate, stylized designs. The Wari were masters of color, using as many as 150
distinct shades which they incorporated into both woven and tie-dyed patterns. Many tex-
tiles feature abstract, geometric designs, as well as supernatural figures - most common is a
winged deity holding a staff.
BEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS
» Museo Nacional de Antropología, Arqueología e Historia del Perú ( Click here ) ,
Lima
» Museo Larco ( Click here ) , Lima
» Museo Inka ( Click here ) , Cuzco
» Museo Nacional de Chavín ( Click here ) , Chavín de Huántar
» Museo Santury ( Click here ) , Arequipa
» Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán ( Click here ) , Lambayeque
» Museo Nacional Sicán ( Click here ) , Ferreñafe
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