Pukara

Pukara

Near Lake Titicaca's altiplano there was the ancient city of Pukara, it was a civic ceremony center approx. 400 BC. Pukara is known for its distinct pottery, with its different motifs of birds, llamas, felines, and humans. It is also known for the classic two bulls that you place onto of your finished house, this tradition of good luck and fertility is rumored to have started here.

House nearby Pukara ruins, bulls atop roof

Pukara's inhabitants were an organized city that engineered an irrigation system that would allow them to keep rainwater for longer and to tap into the water table moisture.

When the town of Pukara started expanding, and the church started to move in. The first move was to build a small chapel right onto of the Pukara ruins. This of course was not received well especially as time went on and people recognized the significance of their own heritage.

In Pukara human trophy heads were not unheard of and happened to be religiously significant. Human heads were a source of power, and also a trophy for good luck, fertility, abundant harvest and a sign of great prestige. Below is a carved stone that depicts a decapitated person, this is a common theme in art because of human sacrifices. This piece of art is supposed to give the impression of bravery and power.

Carved artwork in Museum