El Paisaje Ritual En El Shincal De Quimivil: La Importancia De Los Estudios Arqueoastronomicos

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the concept of ritual landscape through an analysis of El Shincal de Quimivil in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. We pose the hypothesis that the ushnu platform and the hills to the east and west of the plaza were for the observation of the sun and moon in relation to the architectural and natural features of the horizon. The results indicate the importance of the E-W axis and of the time close to the equinoxes with the phenomenon known as the ‘crossover’, which is useful for the prediction of eclipses within the Metonic cycle. This is interpreted as deliberate actions and observations by the Incas and/or their local representatives to organize the ceremonies, politics and calendar for El Shincal