Stela of the cactus-bearer shaman, Stone stele in Chavin de Huantar, Peru
The granite monolith, measuring 80 centimeters in height and 70 centimeters in width, displays carved imagery of an anthropomorphic figure with serpent hair and fangs.
Luis Guillermo Lumbreras discovered this significant archaeological artifact on November 14, 1972, during excavations at the northwest section of the circular plaza.
The stele depicts a figure holding a San Pedro cactus, representing the ceremonial practices and spiritual traditions of the Chavin civilization from 750 BC.
The stele remains in its original position within the circular plaza of Chavin de Huantar, accessible through eastern and western entrances to the archaeological complex.
Research in 2001 uncovered a fragment of another stele with a mirror image, indicating the plaza originally contained four identical representations at cardinal points.
Location: Chavín District
Location: Huari Province
Location: Ancash Department
Made from material: stone
Part of: Chavin de Huantar
GPS coordinates: -9.59367,-77.17801
Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:15
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