El ushnu y la astronomía de horizonte en viña del cerro

Abstract

In this paper, I present the results obtained from an analysis of orientations of the reconstructed architecture in the Diaguita-Inka metallurgical center of Viña del Cerro located in the central valley of the Copiapó River, III Atacama Region in Northern Chile. These results suggest that the platform that formed part of the ushnu as well as the access doors of the kancha and structures of Unit A could be linked to the creation and adjustment of a solar horizon calendar and to specific mountains in the local landscape. The ushnu in Viña del Cerro, in addition to complying with political and administrative functions established by the Tawantinsuyu, could have served as an axis mundi, a place for principal religious ceremonies related to solstice observation and worship of the huacas of the mountains Calquis and Potro.