The calm waters of Lambayeque witnessed an unusual arrival. A strange man appeared on a raft, emanating authority and mystery. His brightly colored look and feathered clothing wowed onlookers, while a large entourage of followers, officials, and concubines adored him as Naylamp, their holy captain.
This is how Naylamp Legend starts. However, why is this character important to understand Peruvian culture? What is the legacy he left? Is it true that he was really a legend? Join us as we explore the answers to these questions, let’s embark on another fascinating Peruvian Legend!
Naylamp and the Foundation of his Empire
The legend says that Naylamp’s raft arrived at the mouth of a river called Faquisllanga, now known as the Lambayeque River. As he looked around, Naylamp noticed the lush, fertile lands that would be perfect for a new settlement. He turned to his beloved wife, Cetarni, and said, “Dear Cetarni, I think this could be the perfect spot for us to build our kingdom together.”
With Cetarni’s consent, Naylamp and his group traveled inland. Among his many followers, several had specific roles, such as trumpeters, transporters, a waiter, a cook, etc. Then, they walked half a league until they found a good spot.
There, his followers built palaces to show their skills, calling this new settlement Chot. The lord’s officers and followers worshiped a massive green stone idol, resembling Naylamp. People placed this idol, called Yampallec (meaning “image and statue of Naylamp”), at the city’s center as an object of veneration.
The people lived peacefully, working diligently to serve Naylamp, whom they revered. Some made clothing from bird feathers, others painted his face, and others prepared paths with crushed seashells for him to walk upon. Women were tasked with preparing special baths for him and his wives.
Naylamp’s Succession and Tragic Fall of the Kingdom
During his lifetime, Naylamp fathered many children with his many wives. When the time came for Naylamp’s death, his eldest son, Cium, addressed the people: “Our lord and my dear father has taken flight on his own virtue, disappearing into the heavens, where he will now dwell and watch over our lives.”
An official asked, “If our lord Naylamp is dead, who will lead our people? Cium replied, “Our lord is immortal. He will continue to govern us and will make his decisions known through me, his instrument.” Thus, Cium became the new leader, continuing Naylamp’s legacy. Like his father, he had many children with various concubines.
This succession continued for generations until a ruler named Fempellec rose to power. Fempellec stopped believing in Naylamp’s divinity, he even ordered the relocation of the Naylamp idol from Chot to another settlement.
However, people couldn’t move the idol, later, Fempellec was punished by a demon in the guise of a beautiful woman who seduced him to get married. After their union, a torrential rain, unprecedented in the region, fell for thirty days, then came years of drought and famine.
Cultural and Architectural Contributions
The Lambayeque culture, founded by Naylamp according to the legend, left an impressive architectural legacy in the region. Its most notable constructions include truncated pyramids, such as Huaca Rajada and Huaca Cao Viejo.
These pyramids were ceremonial, funerary centers, for worshiping Lambayeque deities and for burying prominent figures. The pyramids were characterized by their stepped structure, expansive squares, and courtyards. Their walls also had friezes and reliefs.
Lambayeque Culture depicted daily life, gods, and mythological beings. These sacred spaces were sites of religious rituals and sacrificial offerings. Also, to the pyramids, Lambayeque architecture featured residential and defensive structures.
The Lambayeque culture also excelled in ceramics and jewelry, showcasing artistic mastery. They developed a distinct ceramic style that had elegant shapes and decorations with geometric patterns and images of humans and animals. These items were used for both ritual and domestic purposes.
Myth or reality?
Debates persist over whether the legend recounts actual events or is purely mythical. The mention of a “supreme region of Peru” might refer to the southern part of the country. Some researchers, including Christopher Donnan, suggest that Naylamp’s people may have migrated from the south after the Tiahuanaco culture declined.
The Lambayeque River is Faquisllanga, and the palaces of Chot likely match the Huaca Chotuna site. The spread of the “winged eye” motif in ceramics, metalwork, and murals aligns with the rise of a major cult, possibly devoted to Naylamp.
His wings, mentioned in the myth, may be symbolized by the Tumi of Illimo, a ceremonial knife. In general, scholars agree that the myth reflects archetypal figures and narratives of conquest. Naylamp’s followers likely established dominance in Lambayeque through an influential religious cult.
The legacy of Naylamp today
Although the Lambayeque culture vanished centuries ago, Naylamp’s legend and influence endure. Archaeological discoveries in the region have unveiled the Lambayeque culture’s splendor. Artifacts and architectural remains are preserved and exhibited in museums such as the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and at archaeological sites like Túcume.
Naylamp’s influence is clear in the region’s cuisine, as it preserves ancient recipes and cooking methods. Iconic dishes in Peruvian gastronomy such as seco de cabrito and arroz con pato reflect this enduring cultural heritage.
To learn more about fascinating and intriguing legends and stories like this one, stay tuned to out blog! Viagens Machu Picchu also invites you to know more about our country: Ancient sites, rich culture, and one of the best cuisines in the world are waiting for you to discover.
Contact us to take the first step into your adventure in the ancient land of myths and stories! We’ll be more than glad if we can assist you in making your dreams come true in Peru!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.