Cochasqui Archaeological Project July 5, 2009 All photos are clickable

The project hired two busses and took us to the Cochasqui Archaeological Project. We saw huge grass and dirt covered pyramids with long ramps leading up to the top. There were post holes in some, indicating there were structures at the top. Excavations show that underneath the topsoil are stepped pyramids made of cangahua blocks. Inside one pyramid they found 500 skulls. Inside another, they found a complete skeleton. Many of the pyramids were solid cangahua blocks (This naturally occuring building material is stronger than adobe but will melt in a heavy rainstorm -- hence they cover the top with soil and grass to preserve it).

Pyramid covered for preservation. Note how large it is.

Closeup of the stepped pyramid made with Cangahua blocks. This is similar to the pyramid that George's team is searching for.

The smaller mounds and pyramids date from about 900 - 1200 AD. The larger pyramids date from about 1200 - 1500 AD. These were built by the Caranqui Indians (pre-Inca) in a magnificent location that overlooks Quito in the distance and the equator. Several of the Pambamarca fortresses can be seen on distant mountaintops. Most of the area has NOT been excavated. There has never been a geophysical study of the areas between the structures. I see lots of opportunities for research (grin).

Based on what I have seen at the Summer Solstice festival at the town of Cangahua (the term Cangahua is overloaded since it refers to the town as well as the building material), I can imagine the different kin groups parading up the ramps, dressed in their finery and playing music. At the top, they would dance in circles for hours.

The Summer Solstice Festival still is being celebrated. Today there was a "no holds barred" basketball game between the Ecuadorians and the Gringos. The Ecuadorians won easily, mostly due to their increased numbers. There was also a bullfight of a very different kind that is found in Spain. Locals wave flags in front of the bulls and try not to get gored. Since the people carry no weapons against the bulls, the bulls always win.

The big hit at the Cochasqui Archaeological Site were the curious llamas. Our first view as we entered the site was two llamas humping. They came RUNNING and enveloped us in their herd. Someone brought a salt shaker and started feeding the llamas salt. They loved it, nuzzling softly against us and licking the salt from our hands. We were so enamored with the llamas that we didn't keep up with the guide and completely missed the museum tour. (Later, she reopened the museum and gave a second tour for the llama lovers).

Llamas humping

Mother and Baby

Hungry Baby

Portrait

Another Portrait

Llamas

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