Archaeological Heritage of Northern Chile

The Metallurgical-Ceremonial Center of Huaycuta and the Collcas of

Zapahuira (Arica Highlands Chile)

This audio-visual material, developed in the framework of my doctoral research Inca

Expansion and Local Populations in the Highlands of Arica, aims to collaborate with the
promotion of the archaeological and cultural heritage of the indigenous communities and local
populations of Northern of Chile.

One of my goals with the release of this material is related to the fulfillment of the necessary
social retribution in which researchers and intellectual workers must be engaged.

The sites of Huaycuta and the Collcas of Zapahuira

The archaeological site of Huaycuta, located at the top of Cerro Sombrero and around two
kilometres west of the modern town of Zapahuira, is characterized by the presence of several
circular structures and stone alignments. This site would have constituted an important
Metallurgical and Local Ceremonial Center of the Late Intermediate Period and possibly during
the Inca expansion.

In the case of Zapahuira Collcas, emplaced nearby Huaycuta, this site is formed by several
rectangular units interpreted as Incan enclosures associated with storage functions.

Several groupings of isolated structures, land demarcations, chullpas and a possible Local
Plaza can be found in the surroundings.

Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnCtnqN_lgc&t=37s

Miguel Fuentes
PhD Student (UCL Institute of Archaeology)