Andean Arts

CERRO SECHIN

The Casma Valley site of Cerro Sechin is unique in the Initial Period for the use of repeated representations of dismembered and decapitated individuals on the exterior wall of the structure.  These images were carved on flat stones that lined a retaining wall at the site. Some of the figures are shown standing, holding what appears to be a mace in their hands.  Their faces are shown with twisted perspective, since the heads are in a profile view but their eyes are shown frontally, with vertical lines running down the sides of their faces.   These figures, which are carved on taller, vertical stones, contrast dramatically with the representations on the smaller stones, which mostly depict decapitated heads, often with three parallel bands (perhaps blood) emerging from either the upper portion of the head or the neck area.  Many of these heads are depicted with closed eyes.  On the other hand, rows of eyes are carved in other stones, as well as vertebrae, disembodied arms and legs, and what appear to be internal organs. There has been a lot of speculation about this site and the meaning of the images on this wall.  They could represent an actual battle, with the victorious warriors standing and the bodies of the defeated warriors scattered about.  However, it could be a representation of a ritual battle or some type of event involving human sacrifice.