Discovery of metal vessels "will change the story about Chachapoyas"

Peru This Week ^ | June 23, 2015 | Hillary Ojeda

[SunkenCiv]

Metals had never been found in Chachapoyas before the finding of these two vessels.

They might not be as sacred as the Holy Grail, but two metal vessels recently discovered in Chachapoyas are turning heads in regards to understanding the region’s ancient history.

“The Finding of these vessels will change the story about Chachapoyas” the Decentralized Department of Culture of the Amazonas head, Jose Santos Trauco Ramos, told El Comercio.

The discovery of two silver vessels in the Soloco Purunllacta in Chachapoyas of the Amazonas department are unlike anything the archaeological team has found in its history. Investigations until this date had never discussed the peoples of Chachapoyas involved in metalworks, reports El Comercio.

The two vessels have recently finished a 60 restoration period at the conservation area of the Museo Arqueologico Nacional Bruning of Lambayeque. Trauco says it is too early to be sure, but there is a possibility that the vessels with Inca influence, could have been offerings.

The vessels weigh 152 grams each, 112 millimeters high and 117 millimeters in diameter. They will be part of an exhibition on the grounds of what will soon be the Museum of Chachapoyas.

Chachapoyas is one of Peru’s most sacred archaeological zones. However, its isolation and difficult to reach location, make it less popular and less visited. Kuelap is one of the most impressive sites, located 3,000 meters above sea level, the site is a must when in Chachapoyas.

[SunkenCiv]

Superficially (and the pic's not great), the representations resemble those on the Gundestrup Cauldron.

Two metal vessels discovered at Purunilacta de Soloco, Amazonas. (Photo: El Comercio/Wilfredo Sandoval)

[SunkenCiv]

Gundestrup cauldron (left). Plate E from the Gundestrup Cauldron (right), apparently showing Roman warriors.

[semaj]

The perfect cup for drinking Yerba Mate.

[GeronL]

I thought they meant naval vessels

[SunkenCiv]

They probably used it for blood. Or maybe some kind of hooch.

[SunkenCiv]

That *would* change the story. :’)

[Beowulf9]

Don’t know if this is a stupid question but where did they get the metal?

[SunkenCiv]

Processed it themselves, or traded for it. The ruins of Tiahuanaco show that the “staples” that held the top row of stone walls together were made by pouring molten metal into the slots carved into the stones for that purpose.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

From the mines.

There is quite a bit of ore in the Americas and a good deal of the copper, silver and gold were all mined by the American Indians. They did not mine iron and they did not usually mine tin, possibly because it is a rather rare metal. However they mined some tin in this area because a few pieces of bronze have been found.

[JimSEA]

Wiki says the Chachapoyas originated as a culture at the earliest 750 AD and were adsorbed by the Inca just before the conquest. The were said to be white skinned and many were blond. Where did they originate? That’s a 64 thousand dollar question.

[Beowulf9]

While looking up these ‘staples’ (wanted to see a pic) I found it impossible to avoid the ancient astronauts explanation.

As one man put it, “it seems that the Ancient Aliens meme has taken over any rational discussion about these sort of topics. As of right now, the mystery of Puma Punku has nothing to do with aliens, and anyone who lumps them together is doing us all a disservice.

For example, this guy wrote an article “debunking” the claims about Puma Punku, when all he does is say:

“So once again, we have an accomplishment by ancient craftsmen whom some paranormalists have attempted to discredit by attributing their work to aliens. This is not only irrational, it’s a non-sequitur conclusion to draw from the observations.”

and he added, “I couldn’t agree more!”

[Beowulf9]

Forgot to thank you, very interesting.

[Army Air Corps]

Intriguing.

[cpdiii]

Yerba Mate.

Yep, done that in Bolivia.

I was the only guy on the drilling rig that was American. They sent me because I could also speak Spanish. It was put in a small bowl and hot water poured on it. After steeping we drank it with a straw from the bottom of the bowl. I am a caffeine addict and it was good stuff. Tasted good and had the caffeine that I liked.

[SunkenCiv]

Well yeah — there’s a great deal of nuttery about the age of Tiahuanaco. An alleged archaeologist in the late 1940s or so came to the conclusion that the city was 12000 or 14000 years old, which is not even remotely in the ballpark, and would make it (at that time) the oldest city on Earth.

The fact that hardworking ancient peoples moved large stones isn’t that big a deal — what the big deal is to me, why did they get started doing it, what was the motivation. I can understand why they *stopped* doing it...

[SunkenCiv]

“That he be considered white” was a legal snippet that was common in the Spanish colonial empire of the Americas; basically, everyone was some shade of tan, but it was possible to become legally white, meaning Castilian. I don’t put much stock in the ‘blond and blue-eyed’ stuff.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chachapoya_culture#Appearance_and_origins

[waterhill]

Don’t ask me why, but ‘Silver Ships from Andilar’ by Townes VanZandt popped into my head. Cool post, sorry for my brain

[waterhill]

Of those that sailed the silver ships
From Andilar I am the last
The deeds that rang our youthful dreams
It seems shall go undone
North for the shores of Valinor
Our bows and crimson sails were made
Our captains were strong, our lances long
And our liege the holy king

The hills did turn from green to blue
And vanish as on the decks we watched
But every thought in that noble company
Was forward bound
To the lifeless plains of Valinor
Where reigns the dark and frozen one
And with tongues afire and glorious eyes
We pledged our mission be

The clime from mild to bitter ran
The wind from fair to fierce did blow
Oath and prayer did turn to thoughts
Of homes left far behind
Longed every man for some glimpse of land
And the host that did await us there
But each new day brought only a sea
And sky of ice and gray

Thanks give no word can drag you through
Those endless weeks our ships did roll
Thanks give you cannot see those sails
And faces bleach and draw
Ice we drank and leather did chew
For the oceans are unwholesome there
The dead that slid into the seas
Did freeze before our eyes

Then a wind did fling the ships apart
Each one to go her separate way
The sky did howl, the hull did groan
For how long I do not know
And what men were left when the winds had ceased
Grew dull and low of countenance
For soldiers denied their battle plain
On comrades soon must turn

So one by one we died alone
Some by hunger, some by steel
Bodies froze where they did fall
Their souls unsanctified
Until only another and I were left
Then just before his flame did fail
We shone ourselves brothers-in-arms
To serve the holy king

Perhaps this shall reach Andilar
Although I know not how it can
For once again he’s hurled his wind
Upon the silver prow
But if it should my words are these
Arise young men fine ships to build
And set them north for Valinor
‘neath standards proud as fire

[SunkenCiv]

And when stealing, steal from the best. :’)

http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Valinor

http://www.riseagain.net/dichroic/archives/002626.html

http://www.google.com/search?q=The+Self-Destructive+Hobo+Saint+by+John+Kruth

[SunkenCiv]