The Chavin were fierce warriors and the Chavin ruins show the character of there military virility. A large circular courtyard, central to the site, is decorated with large stones carved in relief. The friezes are of alternating warrior figures and figures of Jaguars. In their clasped hands they hold alternating swords and shafts of the San Pedro cactus.
This cactus, used by shamans in the Andes, and by modern day "hippies", is said to be a strong halluciagen containing Mescaline. To the eye of the novice archeologist, it would appear that the Chavin warriors ate this substance before going into battle. The fieceness of these intoxicated stone age warriors can only be imagined.
ARTIST'S COMMENTARY
A highlight of my travels in South America was visiting the ruins called "Chavin de Huantar." This culture preceded the Inca and was a dominant force in the Andes during it's own epoch. There is a theory that the Inca came from the Chavin.
"Near Chavin de Huantar"
Aug., 1988
egg tempera on hand made paper
9 x 11.75 inches
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