Chile under the Inka Empire – 2009
Plato con asas. Ónix. Inka. Alcohuaz, Valle del Elqui. MALS.
Plato con asas. Piedra.lnka,Región de Coquimbo .MAS.
Plato con asas. Piedra.lnka,Región de Coquimbo .MAS.
Figurilla masculina de plata: Ofrenda de Adoratorio de Altura. Inka, norte de Chile. MCHAP.
Recipiente escultórico: Figura humana. Piedra. Inka, Región de Coquimbo. MALS.
Stone Gifts
These stone sculptures were given by the Inkas to the Diaguitas in recognition of their alliance with the empire
Magnificent stone artifacts such as these are rarely found in Chilean pre-Columbian archaeological sites. They have only been found in sites that date from the Inka period in the semi-arid valleys between Huasco and Choapa, homeland of the Diaguita people. They were probably not the work of local craftsmen. As most have a cavity or recipient, it is possible that they were used in a ceremonial context. However, they also have a powerful symbolism of their own. These items were given to local chiefs as part of a series of gifts celebrating their alliance with the Inkas and the assistance that they offered in extending Tawantinsuyu southward. This policy of richly rewarding local allies with valuable goods was part of the Inkas’ expansionist strategy that helped to ensure the cooperation of the peoples that they annexed.