Peru is a land full of riddles, mysteries, and ancient wonders, thanks to its rich and diverse cultures. Among the most fascinating enigmas is that of the Chavín culture and their “cabezas clavas” — stone heads embedded in temple walls like watchful guardians.
Were these carved heads symbols of power, representations of gods, or warnings to outsiders? What do they reveal about the strength and beliefs of the Chavín people?
And most importantly, what can they teach us about the roots of Peruvian culture? Join us as we explore the secrets of the cabezas clavas and the civilization that created them.
What exactly and what for?
In the first place, artists carved these “Cabezas clavas” as stone monoliths that represent the heads of mythical beings. These unique features mark Pre-Columbian Andean architecture.
Besides Chavin, you can see similar heads in the Recuay, Tiahuanaco, and Chavín cultures. Among these, the Chavín culture is particularly renowned.
These carefully and ingeniously arranged stones are placed in horizontal rows on the walls of the Chavín de Huántar temple. Today, it’s interesting to note that only one remains in its original spot.
These sculptures are called clavas (“nails”) because each head has a spike or elongated structure at the back. This design helped secure them into the wall recesses, much like nails.
They come in various shapes and sizes: about half of them show human features, while the others depict animals like felines and birds of prey. This rich variety adds to the charm and significance of these remarkable artifacts.
Many interpretations have come up about these artifacts. Some people believe they were trophies or symbols of achievement.
However, the most common view is that they represented Chavín priests during their transformation and connection with the gods.
The anthropomorphic heads show early priests. The transitional mythological heads illustrate their change. Finally, the fully zoomorphic heads represent the gods.
Julio C Tello importance
Julio Cesar Tello was a Peruvian archaeologist. He was the discoverer of the Chavin culture, and hence, nail heads.
He was the first Peruvian archaeologist with an indigenous background, and he also founded the Peruvian Archaeology Museum.
Eventually, in 1919, he discovered the Chavin civilization when he embarked on an exciting expedition to Áncash. There, he discovered the first cabeza clava. This adventure led him to discover the other 41 cabezas.
Unfortunately, in 1945, a landslide covered the archaeological site and buried many of these important pieces.
We can still admire the beauty of the Chavín culture today. There’s only one original head left in its place, with replicas showing the rest.
You can still see this amazing find today in the main temple of Chavín de Huántar, located in the southwestern part of this great archaeological complex.
Thanks to the Tello efforts, the Chavín culture regained its significance. This dedicated Peruvian archaeologist played a key role in recognizing it as the oldest pre-Inca civilization, the foundation for many others.
Today, these historic archaeological sites span about 14 hectares in Chavín de Huántar and are open for visitors year-round. Now you know the story behind the discovery of the Chavín culture!
Julio C Tello Trivia: He is probably the most celebrated Peruvian archaeologist of all time. He also discovered the Paracas culture, an important pre-Inca civilization. Later, the Peruvian government founded the Paracas National Museum after him.
Types of Cabezas
Subsequent excavations from the 1960s to the 2000s uncovered additional cabezas clavas. For example, in July 2013, archaeologists John Rick and Luis Guillermo Lumbreras found something important. They dug up two nearly intact heads.
These heads were well-preserved and sat in a narrow passage. These heads likely fell when the wall they were part of collapsed during an earthquake around 200 CE.
Each head measures 103 cm in length, 39 cm in width, and 43 cm in height, weighing approximately 250 kg.
Like other preserved cabezas clavas, they have unique facial traits. Here you have some other details about Chavin’s nail heads
Details and more
-All have an elongated structure at the back for insertion into temple walls, giving them their name (clavas).
-These include dilated pupils, tight facial muscles, flared nostrils, and lips that look like they’re whistling or blowing. Additionally, their faces are adorned with snake-like designs.
-They are monolithic sculptures, carved in stone, usually large, some the size of a gourd.
-Most show faces with wide, circular eyes and feline-like mouths with fangs. Often, you can recognize a bird’s beak in profile. Some also have thick lips and flared nostrils.
-The main rocks used were volcanic tuff (81%), limestone (15%), and sandstone (4%). Artists preferred volcanic tuff for its ease of carving and porosity, which facilitated transport and sculpting.
-They depict mythical beings with anthropomorphic (51%), zoomorphic (45%)—feline and serpent—and ornithomorphic (4%)—bird—features.
-They placed them high on the south, east, and west walls of the Chavín Temple, in horizontal rows beneath stone friezes in bas-relief. Only one remains in its original position.
-Many are decorated with snakes as hair, and some display protrusions resembling crests.
Unfortunately, many cabezas clavas have been lost due to natural disasters, theft, and human activities. The Museo Nacional de Chavín proudly cares for about 100 complete or nearly complete specimens. This work helps preserve an important part of history.
A stone made legacy for Peruvian Culture
In conclusion, the Chavín culture, with its captivating cabezas clavas, continues to inspire scholars, visitors, and history enthusiasts around the globe.
Today, contemporary Peruvian artists find joy in the intricate designs of these cabezas, showing us how these ancient symbols still hold beauty and meaning.
Archaeologists are making exciting discoveries about the daily lives, religious practices, and survival skills of these fascinating people in Peru’s unique landscape.
Finally, by exploring the head nails and the Chavín culture, we can better understand Peruvian civilization. This journey helps us appreciate the lasting art and spirituality that continue to resonate in Peru, even centuries later.
We invite you to discover more about Cabezas clavas and Chavin culture on your next trip to Peru. Likewise, Viagens Machu Picchu encourages you to explore Peru with our proper assistance.
Sol, please, feel free to contact us to get more info about our packages, promotions, and best deals. The adventure in the Andean country awaits!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.