Sillustani Tombs

The pre-Incan people in this ares, the Collas, believed strongly in an afterlife. To help those who have moved from this world, they build tombs, called chullpas and prepared bodies for the afterlife.

The tomb at the top of the hill was built for nobility, while the one in the foreground was for the average person. Slaves were buried in shallow graves and exhumed to be relocated for burial with their master.

The lizard image was used to signify regrowth in the afterlife. The tombs of the nobility were made of finely hewn stone, created with groves to fit together.

Bodies were prepared for burial by removing the organs and replacing these with llama droppings to preserve the body. Herbs were added to deter animals. The bodies were then placed in the fetal position, because this is how they came into the world. Covered in a fine cloth, the body was then placed in a bag of animal fibres and laid in the tomb.

Stones were put in the bottom of the tomb, then bodies fit into specially prepared grooves and more stones were added to fill the space.

Stone ramps were used to build and complete the tombs ramps.