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Treasures of Northern Peru Trujillo and Chan Chan

 

Located in northwestern Peru the historic city of Trujillo is the third largest city in Peru. Trujillo is known as the city of eternal spring due to its near perfect weather year round – with sunny skies and 70 degree temperatures. It may be this ideal climate that has attracted so many people throughout history to the area.

The modern city of Trujillo was founded by conquistador Diego de Almagro in 1534. Yet the area had been occupied by indigenous people for a thousand years. Trujillo has twice served as capital of Peru and was the birthplace of the Peruvian Justice System.

A visit to Trujillo offers you a chance to visit beautiful beaches, see the renowned culture, and visit historic sites like the Moche’s Temple of Sol y Luna (Sun and Moon), the Chavin’s adobe city of Chan Chan and the walled city center from the Spanish Colonial Period. Trujillo is an diverse destination and it’s friendly people make it a wonderful place to spend a night or two while visiting Peru’s Kingdom’s of the North.

Peru is home to a number of fascinating archaeological sites, Machu Picchu is the most famous. Peru has been home to numerous cultures for thousands of years and due to its dry coastal climate many ancient treasures, like the Nazca Lines, which would have disappeared in other locations the climate preserved allowing visitors a glimpse into the past and these early culture’s magnificent works of art.

One of the lesser known sites is a short 15 minute drive south of Trujillo – a colonial city located on the north coast of Peru. The Temples of the Sun and Moon (Sol y Luna) are located in a valley along the Moche River, these adobe pyramids were built by the Moche approximately 1500 years ago. The Temple of the Moon is the smaller of the two temples and is located in front of Cerro Blanco in a North-South Orientation and served as the religious center for the city. While the Temple of the Sun is the newer and larger of the two temples has an east-west orientation, is located in front of Cerro Negro and served as the administration center. The two Huacas are separated by a valley approximately 500 square meters wide that served as the Moche Capital City.

Restoration of the Temple of the Moon began in 1991 and the site was opened to visitors in 1995, while restoration of the Temple of the Sun is scheduled to begin in 2011. Visiting the sites includes a visit to the museum located near the entrance of the Temple of the Moon. The University of Trujillo Museum has an excellent collection of artifacts collected from the site as well as several multimedia presentations of the Moches including their art, architecture and religion.

Thanks to the Moches belief system, the Temple de Luna is one of the most interesting archeological visits in the Americas. The Moches built the pyramids in levels. Each approximately 100 years they would build a new pyramid completely encompassing the old pyramid. To do so they would fill the old structure will adobe bricks and then plaster over the bricks to seal off the old and make way for the new. As a result when archaeologist began studying the site some 20 years ago, they began peeling back layers and uncovering the original art work of the Moches, tombs, ceramics, and other ornaments. Their work has been solely to discover and preserve the site for the future – there has been no restoration or “reinterpretation” of the pyramid as is seen at many of the other archaeological sites.

Development of the site – the two pyramids and the city in between has been done completely with private funding from individuals, foundations, the university and companies. Much of the work is done by students both locally and from aboard. The Temple of the Moon is a fascinating site well worth the visit and we can only believe that once work begins on the Temple of the Sun and the wonders of that site are made available to the public, that it will become one of the most popular destinations in Peru.

Prior to the Incas the Chimu Culture lived in the fertile valley area near modern day Trujillo in northern Peru. Descendants of the great Moche Culture who built the great Pyramids of Sol y Luna the Chumu Culture had some similarities to the Moche and some distinct differences in the way they lived. Like the Moche the Chimu lived off the fruit of the sea, they used adobe as their main construction material, they decorated their construction and their ceramics with paintings done in yellows, reds, blacks and whites.

However unlike the Moche’s the Chamu did not build enormous pyramids with the city between them – the Chimu built Chan Chan. At 7.7 square miles Chan Chan was the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. The city was built with a triangular shaped walled city with the outside protective walls stretching 50 – 60 feet in to the air. It was comprised of 10 walled citadels which housed palaces, burial chambers, temples, boulevards, ceremonial plazas and springs were dug and reservoirs created so that they would have fresh water. The exterior walls made the city so impregnable that even after a lengthy 10 year war, the only way the Inca’s were capable of conquering the city was to finally cut off water supply by breaking the aqueduct system that had been built to provide water to the farms and city.

The Chimu so hated the Incas that when the Spanish arrived they welcomed them with open arms. Francisco Pizzaro and Diego de Almagro established the neighboring city of Trujillo named after Pizzaro’s home in Spain. The Chimu quickly abandoned Chan Chan and the once great city laid in waste to the environment. Winds and rain during years of el Niño would deteriorate the city’s walls and the colorful murals. For hundreds of years there it sat until in 1969 a Harvard mission headed by Michael E. Moseley came to study Chan Chan. 

Today mapping of the site is incomplete and archaeological exploration has only just begun. A restoration effort is underway reconstructing much of the city to look as it did during the time of the Chimu. Visiting Chan Chan is one of the highlights in the northern kingdoms of Peru.  Currently only the Tschudi Palace is open to visitors. However as you enter the site you can see the once great city has been cut in half by the Pan-American highway only to imagine how awe inspiring it Must Have been.

About the Author

Galapagos Online.com are expert providers of Galapagos Cruises and Peru Travel. The company features a vareity of boats and programs for travelers interested in the natural beauty of Galapagos and the cultural riches of Peru.

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Peru: Art from the Chavin to the Incas $50.38 Richly illustrated, this book describes the grandeur and richness of the numerous civilizations predating the Incas, including the Paracas, Nazca, Recuay, Sican-Lambayeque, Moche-Sipan, and Chimu cultures, as well as the great Inca civilization. Included in the book are the important sites and landscapes representative of the three major ecological levels of Peru, as well as a general view and a historical perspective of the pre-Columbian cultures of Peru. Luis Guillermo Lumbreras examines the historical and archaeological context while Fernando de Szyslo presents the viewpoint of a contemporary Peruvian artist. Informative text written by Peruvian specialists in the field introduce each chapter dedicated to each of the pre-Columbian cultures. Two hundred stunning objects–pottery, textiles, and jewelry–illustrate the varied artistic achievements of each ancient culture.

Columbian $5.99 Louise Max Columbian – Art Print

Chavin de Huantar (flourished 850-200 BC), Chavin culture, Peru $24.99 Chavin de Huantar (flourished 850-200 BC), Chavin culture, Peru – Photographic Print

‘Chavin Stela’ (2006) (Peru) $997.95 “In this painting, I try to interpret the Chavin stela, an object of stone. However this could also be a weaving from some Andean culture where we can appreciate signs and lines in color, certain rhythms and movement,” artist Alberto Ramos says. Warm hues permeate this fascinating canvas. Titled “Estela chavin” in Spanish.

‘Chavin Totem’ (2006) (Peru) $997.95 Alberto Ramos takes his inspiration from the Chavin culture of Ancash. Evoking their monolithic lances and the motifs of their artwork, he paints a radiant abstract. Vertical lines and rich textures pay tribute to one of Peru’s oldest civilizations. Titled “Totem chavin” in Spanish.

‘Jaguar in Chavin Time’ (Peru) $294.95 Conjuring bright eyes and sharp fangs, German See Wu depicts a jaguar. The lithe jungle cat was sacred to the Wari people of ancient Peru and other ancient cultures called it jaguarondi, or “cat of darkness.” This representation comes from the Chavin culture, which flourished in the Ancash region of Peru long before the rise of the Inca Empire. An encounter between the modern and the ancestral, this beautiful work captures the spirit of the cat. Titled “El jaguar en el tiempo chavin” in Spanish.

Stela Depicting a Warrior Holding a Club, Chavin Culture $49.99 Stela Depicting a Warrior Holding a Club, Chavin Culture – Giclee Print

Vessel with Puma, Chavin Culture, C.90 Bc $34.99 Peruvian School Vessel with Puma, Chavin Culture, C.90 Bc – Giclee Print

Columbian Wagons $19.99 Columbian Wagons – Premium Poster

Bronze and copper wall art, ‘Images of Chavin’ (Peru) $77.95 Angel Franco works in the style of the Chavin people, the oldest civilization of Peru dating from around 400 B.C. Heralded for their knowledge of metallurgy and textiles, their art expressed religious undertones. The artisan depicts a Chavin personage with their traditional animal iconography.

Bronze and copper mask, ‘Chavin Personage’ (Peru) $49.95 Angel Franco works in the style of the Chavin people, the oldest civilization of Peru dating from around 400 B.C. Heralded for their knowledge of metallurgy and textiles, their art expressed religious undertones. The artisan depicts a Chavin mask with their traditional animal iconography.

Cedar and leather rocking chair, ‘Chavin’ (Peru) $354.95 Working in tooled leather, Moises Alvarez recreates design motifs from the ancient Chavin culture. A pre-Inca civilization, their art often depicted deities. The leather panels adorn a comfortable rocking chair, handcrafted of cedar wood.

Pre-Columbian $28.8 The designs on this mold are inspired by Pre-Columbian architectural design.

Carved Stone, Pre-Chavin, Sechin, Near Casma, Peru, South America $19.99 Walter Rawlings Carved Stone, Pre-Chavin, Sechin, Near Casma, Peru, South America – Photographic Print

Columbian Heavy Work $19.99 Columbian Heavy Work – Premium Poster

Pre-Columbian Gold $19.99 Pre-Columbian Gold – Photographic Print

Pre-Columbian Art $19.99 Pre-Columbian Art – Photographic Print

Obsidian wristband bracelet, ‘Chavin Heritage’ (Peru) $99.95 By Juan Contreras, this silver bracelet defines the intricate Raimondi stela. Named for Antonio Raimondi who discovered it, it depicts a deity from the Chavin culture known as the smiling god. The original composition embodies duality within a figure, in this case an agricultural and fertility deity with splayed taloned feet. Juan Contreras alternates the ornate medallions with polished black obsidian. .950 silver

Columbian Exposition, 1893 $19.99 Childe Hassam Columbian Exposition, 1893 – Giclee Print

Overview of Vancouver, British Columbian $49.99 Overview of Vancouver, British Columbian – Giclee Print

Peru: Pre-Columbian Vessel $19.99 Peru: Pre-Columbian Vessel – Photographic Print

Ceramic statuette, ‘Chavin Legged Sofa’ (Peru) $164.95 The unique art of the Chavin culture and its double-meaning patterns that exalt transformation now inspire the colorful “Legged Sofa” series by ceramic artist Lulli Luca. It is a unique celebration of pre-Hispanic Peruvian cultures, as well as of women and their role in the family, art and culture. “I wanted to express the merger of the different eras so antiquity is expressed through the decoration, while the modern era can be seen in the sofa style,” explains Luca. “The legs are movable and are meant to identify woman as being ever-present in our lives as a mother, a wife, and the link between the workplace and home. My idea is to convey a sense of intense freedom, that’s why the legs can be moved and set in any position to symbolize that women have a mind of their own and can position themselves at will. The sofas also represent my own artistic freedom to create modern designs that are alive with the spirit of the past.”

Art of the Andes : From Chavin to Inca $12.71 No Synopsis Available

Columbian Black-Tailed Deer $64.99 John James Audubon Columbian Black-Tailed Deer – Framed Art Print

Columbian Exposition, 1893, c.1893-94 $49.99 Mario Borgoni Columbian Exposition, 1893, c.1893-94 – Giclee Print

Rivera: Pre-Columbian Life $19.99 Diego Rivera Rivera: Pre-Columbian Life – Giclee Print

View of Pyramid B, Pre-Columbian $34.99 View of Pyramid B, Pre-Columbian – Giclee Print

Field Columbian Museum, Chicago, Illinois $49.99 Field Columbian Museum, Chicago, Illinois – Giclee Print

The Pre-Columbian Settlement of Leif Eriksson $49.99 The Pre-Columbian Settlement of Leif Eriksson – Giclee Print

Pre-Columbian Gold, 1000 Ad $19.99 Pre-Columbian Gold, 1000 Ad – Photographic Print

Columbian – Black $94.99 Let your desire for fashion consume you because it will be worth the trip in this style by Dereon. Columbian features a soft black upper with a slouchy look and knot detail. This open toe knee boot is complete with a 1 inch double platform and 5 inch heel.

Obsidian wristband bracelet, ‘Chavin Heritage’ – 8 inch (Peru) $202.95 By Juan Contreras, this silver bracelet defines the intricate Raimondi stela. Named for Antonio Raimondi who discovered it, it depicts a deity from the Chavin culture known as the smiling god. The original composition embodies duality within a figure, in this case an agricultural and fertility deity with splayed taloned feet. Juan Contreras alternates the ornate medallions with polished black obsidian. .950 silver

The Columbian Orator $6.32 First published in 1797, The Columbian Orator helped shape the American mind for the next half century, going through some 23 editions and totaling 200,000 copies in sales. The book was read by virtually every American schoolboy in the first half of the 19th century. As a slave youth, Frederick Douglass owned just one book, and read it frequently, referring to it as a "gem" and his "rich treasure." The Columbian Orator presents 84 selections, most of which are notable examples of oratory on such subjects as nationalism, religious faith, individual liberty, freedom, and slavery, including pieces by Washington, Franklin, Milton, Socrates, and Cicero, as well as heroic poetry and dramatic dialogues. Augmenting these is an essay on effective public speaking which influenced Abraham Lincoln as a young politician. As America experiences a resurgence of interest in the art of debating and oratory, The Columbian Orator–whether as historical artifact or contemporary guidebook–is one of those rare books to be valued for what it meant in its own time, and for how its ideas have endured. Above all, this book is a remarkable compilation of Enlightenment era thought and language that has stood the test of time.

World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 $34.99 Sir William Beechey World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 – Giclee Print

Columbian Cuzumbies Lying on an Open Book $79.99 Francis Miller Columbian Cuzumbies Lying on an Open Book – Premium Photographic Print

Pre-Columbian Stone Ruin, Belize $39.99 Barry Tessman Pre-Columbian Stone Ruin, Belize – Photographic Print

MeadWestvaco Columbian Coin Envelope $23.99 #5-1/2 #5-1/2, 3.12″ Width x 5.50″ Length 0% 24 lb 500 / Box CO544 Coin Envelope Columbian Coin Envelope Gummed Kraft Light Brown MeadWestvaco No www.meadwestvaco.com

MeadWestvaco Columbian Catalog Envelope $29.99 0% 100 / Box 4 lb 9.50″ Width x 12.50″ Length Wove Finish CO648 Catalog Envelope Columbian Catalog Envelope Gummed MeadWestvaco Paper White www.meadwestvaco.com

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Bird’s Eye View of the Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 $39.99 Bird’s Eye View of the Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 – Giclee Print

Field Columbian Museum Jackson Park Chicago Illinois $19.99 Field Columbian Museum Jackson Park Chicago Illinois – Premium Poster

The Ferris Wheel at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago $34.99 The Ferris Wheel at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago – Giclee Print

Buck and Doe Columbian Black-Tailed Deer $39.99 Melissa Farlow Buck and Doe Columbian Black-Tailed Deer – Photographic Print

The Atlantean Columns on Top of Pyramid B, Pre-Columbian $34.99 Toltec The Atlantean Columns on Top of Pyramid B, Pre-Columbian – Giclee Print

A Detail of Intricate Pre-Columbian Masonry Work $39.99 Raul Touzon A Detail of Intricate Pre-Columbian Masonry Work – Photographic Print

Columbian Springs, Saratoga Springs, New York $39.99 Columbian Springs, Saratoga Springs, New York – Giclee Print

Birdseye View. World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 $19.99 Birdseye View. World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 – Premium Poster

A Walled Road and Pre-Columbian Ruins at Tiwanaku $39.99 Kenneth Garrett A Walled Road and Pre-Columbian Ruins at Tiwanaku – Photographic Print

World Columbian Exposition in Chicago Photograph – Chicago, IL $19.99 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago Photograph – Chicago, IL – Premium Poster

Tourist by Pre-Columbian Ruin at Twilight, Belize $39.99 Barry Tessman Tourist by Pre-Columbian Ruin at Twilight, Belize – Photographic Print

MeadWestvaco Columbian Booklet Envelope $59.99 #6 1/2 #6 1/2, 6″ Width x 9″ Length 0% 24 lb 500 / Box Booklet Envelopes are ideal for mailing annual reports, catalogs and brochures. Open side construction for easy insertion and printing. Bright white wove with gummed flap. Bright White CO325 Catalog Envelope Columbian Booklet Envelope Gummed Gummed Open Side MeadWestvaco No Wove www.meadwestvaco.com

MeadWestvaco Columbian Catalog Envelopes $31.99 #13 1/2 #13 1/2, 10″ Width x 13″ Length 0% 250 / Box 28 lb Open-End Envelopes offer a durable all-purpose mailing option. Ideal for mailing documents, catalogs, direct mail, promotional material, brochures and more. Open-end construction with fully gummed seal. CO688 Catalog Envelope Columbian Catalog Envelopes Gummed Gummed Open End Kraft MeadWestvaco No Self-adhesive www.meadwestvaco.com

MeadWestvaco Columbian Lightweight Envelopes $62.99 0% 10″ Width x 15″ Length 100 / Box 14 lb Tyvek Envelopes are super strong yet lightweight. Envelopes are moisture-resistant and tear-resistant. No-lick Grip-Seal Closure features makes them quick and convenient to use. 14 lb. Ideal for mailing letters and other written documents. CO803 Catalog Envelope Columbian Lightweight Envelopes Lightweight MeadWestvaco Moisture Resistant No Puncture Resistant Self-sealing Tear Resistance Tyvek White www.meadwestvaco.com