Sillustani
Cutimbo Chullpas · Chullpas de Sillustani
Late Intermediate to Inca 1200–1450 CE·Colla (Aymara) succeeded by Inca·🇵🇪 Puno Region, Peru
About
About Sillustani
Highland necropolis of Aymara Colla elite and later Inca (13th–15th c.) with tallest chullpas in Andes on Umayo Lake peninsula at 3840 m: Chullpa Lagarto 12.07 m high, diameter 7.5 m with 6 courses of 6-tonne ashlar carving, corbel dome roofs; funerary towers with eastern niche ancestor veneration. Burnt red adobe contrasts with precise stone; Inca later added finer jointing.
Why it mattersTallest elegant cylindrical tower-tombs in Andes type-site for chullpa architecture
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why eastern doorway – sun rebirth vs Andean axis
- 02Collapse reasons earthquake vs stone robbery spiral
Theories
- 01Colla imitation of Tiwanaku? Aymara identity thesis
- 02Noble lineage house 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
- 1200–1450 Colla; 1450–1530 Inca refinement
- Period
- Late Intermediate to Inca 1200–1450 CE
- Culture
- Colla (Aymara) succeeded by Inca
- Purpose
- Elite necropolis with chullpa lineage ancestor worship
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1200
Colla chullpa tradition begins
1450
Inca conquest improve jointing
1821
Humboldt describes Sillustani?
On the ground
Structures & features
15.7211° S · 70.1594° W · 3840 m · 3 mapped features
Chullpa Lagarto (Lizard)
chullpa towerTallest 12.07 m with iconic iguana carving on base
15.7215° S · 70.1595° WInca Chullpa (finely jointed)
chullpa towerJoint to hairline with Inca masonry finesse
15.7209° S · 70.1592° WLagoon Umayo view
natural featureShore peninsula between forests
15.7213° S · 70.1588° W
Gallery