Palpa — Geoglyph Ancillary Spiral North (Peru, Palpa)
Palpa Spiral N
Formative to Late Intermediate (800 BCE–1400 CE)·Andean Formative·🇵🇪 Ica, Palpa, Palpa Geoglyph, Peru
About
About Palpa — Geoglyph Ancillary Spiral North (Peru, Palpa)
Palpa — Geoglyph Ancillary Spiral North (Peru, Palpa) in Ica, Palpa, Palpa Geoglyph, Peru is a Formative to Late Intermediate (800 BCE–1400 CE) geoglyph attributed to Andean Formative. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal necropolis and domestic quarter. Dimensions figure 92 m long × 28 m wide; line 2.5 m wide; area 17.7 ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Andean Formative geoglyph with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 350 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Ritual landscape model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 500 BCE
- Period
- Formative to Late Intermediate (800 BCE–1400 CE)
- Culture
- Andean Formative
- Purpose
- Desert geoglyph and ceremonial landscape
- Rediscovered
- 1956
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 888 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1900
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1445 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
14.5300° S · 75.1800° W · 350 m · 3 mapped features
Principal Figure
figurePrincipal Figure at Palpa — Geoglyph Ancillary Spiral North (Peru, Palpa) — figure with stratified deposits
14.5314° S · 75.1818° WNorth Ray Extension
rayNorth Ray Extension at Palpa — Geoglyph Ancillary Spiral North (Peru, Palpa) — ray with stratified deposits
14.5302° S · 75.1792° WAncillary Circle
circleAncillary Circle at Palpa — Geoglyph Ancillary Spiral North (Peru, Palpa) — circle with stratified deposits
14.5314° S · 75.1818° W