‘Towards the Reborn Sun’ by Magda Biernat,
They are found across the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia. They can be cylindrical or rectangular, low or tall, and made of stone or adobe. The tallest are about 40 feet high. All of the chullpas have small openings facing east, towards the rising sun. Corpses in each tomb were typically placed in a fetal position along with some of their belongings, including clothing and jewelery.Â
The towers allegedly began to be built around 1000 AD and their use continued during Inca occupation in the 1400s.
Many of the tombs have been destroyed by grave robbers, while others were left unfinished. The construction of the chulpas varied with ethnic group: in general, those of the north Altiplano are circular and constructed with stone, while those of the south are rectangular and constructed with adobe. Some are unadorned, while others have intricate carvings.Â
The decorated ones often carry geometrical patterns and colors similar to the ones found in Andean textile design.
©Magda Biernat
