Archaeoastronomy on Inka sites in the Argentine Northwest

LEIBOWICZ, IVÁN; MOYANO, RICARDO; FERRARI, ALEJANDRO A.; ACUTO, FÉLIX; JACOB, CRISTIAN

Journal of Skyscape Archaeology

Equinox Publishing

Lugar: Sheffield; Año: 2016 vol. 2 p. 165 - 187

In this paper, we present results of astronomical and landscape?s analysis at four Inka sites located in the Nevados de Cachi area, North Calchaquí Valley, Salta province, Argentina. Selection criteria took into consideration the existence of certain traits of paramount importance amongst Inka architecture, such as: ushnu platforms, gnomons, and a particularly interesting petroglyph located in a high altitude sanctuary. Results show that the location and spatial layout of certain Inka settlements as well as certain structures within, where designed and located based on astronomical observation patterns centered on solstices, equinoxes and lunar standstills.