Historical & Cultural Astronomy

Historical & Cultural Astronomy Series Editors: WAYNE ORCHISTON, University of Southern Queensland,‐Australia ([email protected]) MARC ROTHENBERG, Smithsonian Institution (retired), ‐ USA ([email protected]) CLIFFORD CUNNINGHAM, University of Southern Queensland, ‐Australia ([email protected]) Editorial Board: JAMES EVANS, University of Puget Sound,‐USA MILLER GOSS, National Radio Astronomy Observatory,‐USA DUANE HAMACHER, Monash University,‐Australia JAMES LEQUEUX, Observatoire de Paris,‐France SIMON MITTON, St. Edmund’s College Cambridge University,‐UK CLIVE RUGGLES, University of Leicester,‐UK VIRGINIA TRIMBLE, University of California Irvine,‐USA‐ GUDRUN WOLFSCHMIDT, Institute for History of Science and Technology,‐Germany TRUDY BELL, Sky & Telescope,‐USA‐ More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/15156 Steven R. Gullberg Astronomy of the Inca Empire Use and Significance of the Sun and the Night Sky Steven R. Gullberg College of Professional and Continuing Studies University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA ISSN 2509-310X ISSN 2509-3118 (electronic) Historical & Cultural Astronomy ISBN 978-3-030-48365-4 ISBN 978-3-030-48366-1 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48366-1 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover image credit: © alexeys/Getty Images/iStock This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland Night sky at Machu Picchu. Watercolor by Jessica Gullberg v To Steven R. Gullberg II A great son and research assistant who left us far too soon Foreword Father Bernabé Cobo, the Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary who, in the seven- teenth century, wrote Historia del Nuevo Mundo, an authoritative and disciplined account of Inca history, culture, and religion, said of their shrines, or huacas, “there are so many of them and so many different kinds of them, it is impossible to write about all of them.” In this book on astronomy of the Inca Empire, Dr. Steven R. Gullberg doesn’t contradict Cobo, but he does write about a lot of those huacas. He made a point, in fact, to visit, examine, measure, and photograph a subset of the myriad of these features, primarily the extraordinary sculptured rocks encountered in the Peruvian landscape. Some of these, like Kenko Grande and Tambomachay, are well known and routinely visited by tourists. Others are obscure and known only to specialists, like the astronomically important boulder at Q’espiwanka and the River Intihuatana far below Machu Picchu. Dr. Gullberg’s pictorial inventory of these sites alone makes this book unusual and valuable. Anyone who travels to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other primary Inca sites in Peru will almost certainly encounter some of these monuments, will notice that they seem to be products of a common aesthetic, will be impressed by the effort and care it took to make them, and will remain puzzled by their function and meaning. The starting point for penetrating such mysteries is a search for patterns, and that search is the driver for this book. Because these huacas are scattered and often hard to access, most visits to most of them are superficial. It is easy to sense they mean something, but because their meaning is elusive, they remain unexplained wonders that discourage more detailed study. Knowing that historic Spanish chronicles document celestial connotations for some of the huacas and aware of modern field work to locate and analyze astronomically a few of these places, Dr. Gullberg embarked on an ambitious effort to assemble enough on-site information on enough of these places to reveal what, if any, patterns in their character might be discerned. In doing so, he has helpfully consolidated his and the work of others on these particular sites in one place. He has also correctly framed his work within Inca civilization and history. ix x Foreword Some aspects of antiquity will always elude us, and the detailed meaning and use of this exquisite Inca stonework and architecture may be among those unresolved issues. By collecting and describing a considerable number of the rock huacas, how- ever, Dr. Gullberg, catalogues their primary attributes. In a search for patterns, he identifies themes that many of them seem to share—the solstice sun, the animating power of running water, the solidity and unexpected geometry of massive chiseled rock, and the social cohesion conferred by institutionalized ritual. It may be impossible to write about all of the rock huacas in Peru, but Dr. Gullberg has left few stones unturned. Director of Griffith Observatory E. C. Krupp Los Angeles, CA, USA Preface My fascination with archaeoastronomy began with the books of two of its great pioneers, Ed Krupp and Tony Aveni. This led to my graduate study of ancient astronomy at the University of Oklahoma and the research and writing of my Master’s thesis regarding the Babylonian Astronomical Diaries. Subsequent to this I enrolled for doctoral study in astronomy at James Cook University, where Wayne Orchiston and Kim Malville gave me superb guidance as I developed a keen interest in the astronomy of the Incas in the Peruvian Andes. My goal for this book is to illustrate the light and shadow effects of the Incas that I found during my field research at a representative sample of shrines, temples, and caves throughout the region of Peru that is in proximity with the Inca capitol of Cusco, and includes as well Saihuite, Tipon, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Any discussions apply specifically to these areas but may be useful in extension when sites are examined throughout the former empire. This work is primarily intended to give illustration of the Inca’s prowess with light and shadow to those not having visited these locations and to those who would like to do so. It is imperative that any archaeoastronomical data collected be placed into cultural context; therefore I begin with chapters regarding Inca history and culture. This is followed by an overview of archaeoastronomy and a survey of much of what is understood of Inca astronomy. This all precedes the presentation and discussion of my research data in order to help any reader follow the processes and cultural factors involved. My research presented in Chapters 7, 8, and 9 covers an array of sites in the des- ignated areas. Some of my colleagues have published papers in more detail about specific sites, but this book is intended to highlight overall Inca prowess with light and shadow effects through photos and description of numerous locations. Those desiring more detail can seek out these other papers, and it is my hope that some will want to perform additional research themselves. Photo documentation of archaeoastronomical events is imperative, and I have included many images from among the thousands that I took during my research to aid in illustration. In addition to my research photos it was my privilege to be able to collaborate with my wife, Jessica, a wonderful artist. She contributed many xi xii Preface paintings and drawings to help me enhance the book and it was a joy to be able to work together in our effort to provide readers with greater insight. My goal was to significantly share my experiences with Inca effects of light and shadow and use these images to take readers to the world that I encountered. I hope that I have “painted” a great image that you can use to better appreciate these aspects of the Inca Empire. I include descriptions and photos of what was found. Data such as azimuths are included in the appendices. My intention is for this is to be of service to others as they continue with their own research and draw conclusions of their own. The final chapter summarizes my findings and the degree of support for my ini- tial hypotheses. Results are presented in tables and graphs to make it easier for readers to see overall what was found. Here also is where I discuss some thoughts and concluding remarks. The time that I spent in the Peruvian Andes has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only was I able to examine extant Inca astronomy firsthand, but I also had the great pleasure of meeting and interacting with many of the wonderful people of Peru, both in the rural areas of my research and in Cusco as well. I hope you enjoy what is to follow. Norman, OK, USA Steven R. Gullberg Acknowledgments First, I would like to both introduce and thank Milton Rojas Gamarra. Milton is Quechua and a professor at the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco.

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