Chavin

(proper noun)

A civilization that developed in the northern Andean highlands of Peru from 900 BCE to 200 BCE. They extended their influence to other civilizations along the coast.

Related Terms

Examples of Chavin in the following topics:

  • The Chavín Civilization

    • The chief example of Chavín architecture is the Chavín de Huántar temple.
    • The Chavin produced ch'arki, or llama jerky, which was commonly traded by camelid herders and was the main economic resource for the Chavín people.
    • The feline figure is one of the most important motifs seen in Chavín art.
    • Eagles are also commonly seen throughout Chavín art.
    • This map shows the location of the Chavín culture, as well as the areas the Chavín influenced.

  • Architecture in Early South America

    • Chavín de Huántar is an archaeological site containing ruins and artifacts constructed c. 1200 BCE and occupied by later cultures until around 400-500 BCE by the Chavín, a major pre-Inca culture.
    • This archaeological site has revealed a great deal about the Chavín culture.
    • Chavín de Huántar became a pan-regional place of importance.
    • The Chavín civilization was centered on the site of Chavín de Huántar, the religious center of the Chavín people and the capital of the Chavín culture.
    • The site of Chavín de Huántar was of both of geographical and religious significance to the Chavín.

  • South America

    • This stela was found out of its original placement at the ceremonial complex, Chavín de Huantar.