A groundbreaking scientific article on this mysterious holes in the Andes topic was published in the journal Antiquity. Read the full study here.
This monumental Band of Holes Peru structure was first discovered in 1933. Despite extensive research, scientists struggled to pinpoint its purpose – until now.
Australian scholars’ investigation proposes it functioned dually as an ancient marketplace for the Chincha culture and a sophisticated Inca spreadsheet for trade and taxation in pre-Columbian Peru.
Drone Surveys and Key Archaeological Discoveries in the Pisco Valley
Led by archaeologist Jacob Bongers, the research team employed drone surveys and meticulous analysis of sediment deposits within the pits.
Samples revealed starch grains and pollen from corn, amaranth, grains, and squash – staples of Andean archaeology – alongside traces of reeds and willows used for basketry in ancient Peru.
These archaeological findings Peru indicate the pits stored foodstuffs and trade goods, likely transported via sea routes and llama caravans to this bustling pre-Inca market predating the Incas.
Repurposed as an Inca Accounting System: From Market to Monumental Ledger
Around the 15th century, with the Inca Empire’s expansion, Monte Sierpe was likely repurposed into a vast Inca accounting system.
The pit arrangements form block-like stacks mirroring quipus – the Incas’ knotted-string ledgers for tracking taxes and stockpiles.
Researchers view this Band of Holes as a social technology blending commerce, oversight, and ritual exchange in ancient Andean cultures.
This revelation underscores the adaptive genius of pre-Columbian societies in the Pisco Valley, transforming a simple storage network into a monumental tool for economic control.
Implications for Andean Archaeology and Future Research
The University of Sydney archaeologists‘ work not only demystifies Monte Sierpe’s ancient pits but also enriches our understanding of Peru archaeology and mysterious Andean structures.
Advanced techniques like pollen analysis promise more insights into lost Chincha culture practices. Stay tuned for updates on ancient pits Peru excavations!