# Chullpa

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Chullpa
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Chullpa.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chullpa
> Source revision: 1339097900
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

A ***chullpa*** is an ancient [Aymara](/source/Aymara_people) funerary tower originally constructed for a noble person or noble family. *Chullpas* are found across the [Altiplano](/source/Altiplano) in [Peru](/source/Peru) and [Bolivia](/source/Bolivia). The tallest are about 12 metres (39 ft) high.

The tombs at [Sillustani](/source/Sillustani) in Peru are the most famous. Recent research has focused on the connection between *chullpas* and the ritual pathways etched into the landscape around [Nevado Sajama](/source/Nevado_Sajama), as well as possible patterns within *chullpa* sites.[1]

## Description

Corpses in each tomb were typically placed in a [fetal position](/source/Fetal_position) along with some of their belongings, including clothing and common equipment.

In virtually all cases, the only opening to the tomb faces the rising [sun](/source/Sun) in the east. The construction of the *chullpa* varied with ethnic group: in general, those of the north Altiplano are circular and constructed with stone, while those of the south are rectangular and constructed with [adobe](/source/Adobe).[2]

Some are unadorned, while others have intricate carvings. At Sillustani, many of the *chullpas* have [lizards](/source/Lizard), which were considered a symbol of life because they could [regenerate](/source/Regeneration_(biology)) their tails, carved into the stone.[3]

## Similar tombs

It is possible that *chullpas* were also used by the [Inca](/source/Inca_Empire) following their conquest of the Aymara.

Very similar stone constructions on [Easter Island](/source/Easter_Island) known as *tupa* have sometimes been suspected to be closely related to chullpas.[4]

## See also

- [Inka Murata](/source/Inka_Murata)
- [Jach'a Phasa](/source/Jach'a_Phasa)
- [Kuntur Amaya](/source/Kuntur_Amaya)
- [Kunturmarka](/source/Kunturmarka,_Pasco)
- [Kutimpu](/source/Kutimpu)
- [Markahirka](/source/Markahirka)
- [Ninamarka](/source/Ninamarka)
- [Qulu Qulu](/source/Qulu_Qulu)
- [Uskallaqta](/source/Uskallaqta)
- [Wanqaran](/source/Wanqaran)
- [Wich'un](/source/Wich'un)

## References

1. ["Chullpas"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120204162109/http://cml.upenn.edu/tierrasajama/Sajama_English/hypo/chullpa.htm). Archived from [the original](http://cml.upenn.edu/tierrasajama/Sajama_English/hypo/chullpa.htm) on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2006.

1. Martiarena, Laurie M. (2016). *The social life of death : mortuary practices in the north-central Andes, 11th–18th centuries*. University of East Anglia. [OCLC 1101256391](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1101256391)

1. ["Chullpa"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060902203549/http://www.infoarica.cl/1ta/arica_territorio_000004.htm) (in Spanish). Archived from [the original](http://www.infoarica.cl/1ta/arica_territorio_000004.htm) on 2 September 2006. Retrieved 20 March 2006.

1. Heyderdahl, Thor. *Easter Island – The Mystery Solved*. Random House New York 1989.

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Chullpa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chullpa) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chullpa?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.