Wari Kayan

WARI KAYÁN (aka the “Great House”), ancient archaeological site located in the Norte Chico region of Peru; one of several monumental structures built by the Norte Chico civilization, which flourished around 3000–1800 BCE, making it one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas. In 1927, Peruvian archaeologist Julio César Tello made a groundbreaking discovery on the Paracas Peninsula in Peru. This find, known as the Paracas Necropolis, unveiled two extensive cemeteries nestled on a rocky promontory named Wari Kayán. Situated approximately 250 kilometers south of Lima, these burial grounds revealed a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and insights into the Paracas culture, an enigmatic civilization that thrived from around 250 BC to 150 AD. Wari Kayán is notable for its large platform mound, which is believed to have served as a ceremonial or administrative center for the surrounding area. The platform mound is composed of multiple levels, with the uppermost containing a central plaza surrounded by smaller structures. Among the funerary bundles, archaeologists discovered hundreds of woven and embroidered cloths, ranging from shrouds and garments to intricate decorative pieces; these textiles, unparalleled in their complexity and craftsmanship, offered a glimpse into the sophisticated artistry of ancient Andean cultures. The burial practices were elaborate and meticulously executed. Tello observed tightly wrapped bundles, shaped into conical forms and secured with stitching and bindings; alongside the deceased, cloth-wrapped baskets, ceramics, foodstuffs, and other items were placed, suggesting a belief in an afterlife and the provision of necessities for the journey beyond. Wari Kayán stands as a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and complexity of the ancient Paracas culture—one of Peru’s earliest civilizations.