Cosmology in the Inca Empire: Huaca Sanctuaries, State-Supported Pilgrimage, and Astronomy

摘要: Huacas (shrines) and ushnus (ceremonial platforms) are ever-present elements of millennia-old Andean cosmology extending backward at least to Chavin de Huantar (1500-300 BCE). A major theme appears be shamanic transcendence transformation involving the three worlds cosmos. To avoid ethnocentrism, a new ontology may necessary grasp full meaning astronomy. All known cases astronomy in archaeological record Inca appear associated with huaca sanctuaries that also have been state- supported pilgrimage centers. The Sanctuary Isla del Sol is paradigmatic example such center. Its characteristic features stonelined channels, sacred rock, gateways for controlling access ritual space, physical separation space according social status, areas designated observing solstice sun. Most sites considered this paper June solstice, contain huacas consisting natural carved rocks, show evidence differentiation participants, channels or offertory liquids.