Sillustani

Sillustani Chullpa

Sillustani is on the peninsula of Umayo Atuncolla, it is nearby Puno, Peru. There is influence of Pukara (800 BC - 500AD) and influence of Qolla and Inca. These Chullpas were used as ceremonial towers, mostly for funerals or worship of the dead. The people of the town nearby bury there dead outside of town, using turret shaped tombs. Bodies were found in fetal position and mummified, not purposely mummified but the dry climate created the correct environment for mummification.

Chullpas being restored in Sillustani

"The Golden Sillustani" was so named when workers found 1280 objects of which 501 are gold. The pieces were different shapes and forms, with different techniques of decoration like embossing and drilling holes. 

There is a Lizard Chullpa that has a lizard carved on one side. The Chullpa is only partially built, either by design or it could be unfinished or destroyed by an earthquake. This Chullpa was built on the remains of Tiwanaku culture. 

Chullpa Igloo

Viceroy Toledo ordered all the graves removed from the ground and under to be moved and buried under the Chullpa. Apparently this was for all the people who died as heathens. The Chullpa Igloo is from the Late intermediate period.