{ CHAVIN DE HUANTAR }
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Chavín de Huántar is located in the north-central sierra of Peru, sandwiched between the desert coast - one of the dryest deserts of the world - and the humid tropical Amazonian lowlands to the east. The famed Andean prehistoric states, culminating with the expansive Inca empire, were primarily situated in coastal and sierra environments.

The site of Chavín itself is located at 3150 m of altitude in the narrow canyon of the Mosna River, just at the point where it widens slightly and the major Wacheqsa stream joins it. The site occupies a relatively flat river terrace, which has been substantially modified to accommodate the central part of the site, which lies within an area about 500x500 m.

Looking down at Chavín de Huántar from a ceremonial platform of unknown date high on the hills to the east. The Mosna River drains from left to right, and is joined by the Wachecsa River, flowing from the west. In the distance are snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain chain. The small modern town of Chavín de Huántar (population of approximately 1000) lies just north of the site.

Bibliography
Burger, Richard L. Chavín and the Origins of Andean Civilization. Thames and Hudson: London, 1992.
Stone-Miller, Rebecca. Art of the Andes: from Chavín to Inca. Thames and Hudson: NY, 1995.
Richardson, James B. People of the Andes. St. Remy Press: Montreal, 1994.
"Form and Meaning in Chavín Art", from Peruvian Archaeology: Selected Readings, edited by John H. Rowe and Dorothy Menzel. Palo Alto: Peek Publications, 1967.