Chan Chan

Grade 8C.Kemnitz

Ruled from about 850 to 1470 Influence stretched 600 miles

along the Pacific Coast of South America South of Ecuador to central Peru

No written language Built elaborate irrigation

systems Best known for their

distinctive monochromatic pottery and fine metal working

Believed to have worshiped the moon

The Chimu: Quick Facts

 METALLURGY:

Their works were very refined and high technique (specially in goldwork and silverwork.

They knew: smelting, forging, molded, hammering, welding,etc. For example, masks, diadems, earrings, rings, knives

AGRICULTURE: They employed the adobe: buildings, fortress, temples, cities. For example, Chan

Chan, Paramonga; those were built by the Yanas (slaves). CERAMICS:

Mono-chromatic (usually black) It represented animals, plants, people, etc. It had globular shape with neck or bridge shaped handle   and hamper handle

AGRICULTURE: They used hydraulic technologies: irrigations, reservoirs, canals, aqueducts, sunk

small farms. FISHING:

They built vessels as the reed boats.  They made nets, harpoons, with litter marine birds.

Chimu Culture

Pacific coast of Northern Peru

near modern day city of Trujillo 2.5 sq mil ( 6 sq km.)

is the largest Pre-Columbian city in South America

Established in a coastal desert with an average rainfall of less than 1/10th inch built irrigation canals and wells

to bring water to their gardens and crops

Chan Chan: Geography

Built between 850 and 1470

height of city 1200 - 1470 Population: Unknown Capital of the Chimu's Kingdom Made out of adobe Contains about 10000 structures

decorated with precious metals and colorful friezes, or designs in the adobe

Chan Chan

There are about 10 enclosed palace

complexes, 35 intermediate or elite residential compounds, and thousands of small rooms.

temples, housing, storage, reservoirs, etc Surrounding the compounds are smaller

residences of the lower nobility these are surrounded by the housing of

families of artisans who specialized in metal, shell, stone, wood, and textile working.

Chan Chan

Many of the walls are decorated with raised

friezes

Abstract motifs and anthropomorphic subjects

Marine themes are common fish, pelicans, waves

Many geometric shapes

Chan Chan: Friezes

Friezes at Chan Chan

This is the reproduction museum display.

This is the original frieze in Chan Chan.

Around 1470

 the Inca conquer the Chimu people

Around 1535 - The Spanish conquistadores, founded a new capital about 5 km from Chan Chan Chan Chan was quickly

abandoned

Chan Chan:

Abandonment

Threatened by water

torrential rains are gradually wash away the site

Due to increasing rainfall, tent-like protective structures are being placed over different parts of the site Some friezes are being harden with a solution

of distilled water and cactus juice others photographed, then covered to

protect them

Chan Chan: Today

Chan Chan: In Pictures