📍 Location of Estaqueria
Located 20 km southeast of Nazca, in the Las Trancas valley, the Estaqueria ceremonial site stands out for its unique wooden architecture among Nasca sites. This specialized archaeological complex covers approximately 2 hectares and features remarkable spatial organization.
📜 History of Estaqueria
Built around 200-300 AD, Estaqueria functioned as a ceremonial and astronomical center during the Middle Nasca period. The site was first documented by American archaeologist William Duncan Strong in the 1950s, then studied more recently by Peruvian and international teams.
🏗️ Unique Architecture of Estaqueria
- Main structure: 12 aligned huarango wood posts
- Post height: 1.5 to 2 meters above ground
- Precise orientation: east-west alignment
- Ceremonial platforms of adobe and stone
- System of pits for post installation
🎭 Ceremonial and Astronomical Function
Estaqueria was probably an astronomical observation center and site for ceremonies related to celestial cycles:
- Observation of solstices and equinoxes
- Fertility and agricultural ceremonies
- Reference point for surrounding geoglyphs
- Gathering place for religious elites
🔗 Connection with Nearby Geoglyphs
Estaqueria occupies a strategic position in the Nazca Lines network:
- Direct view of several major geoglyphs
- Alignment with animal figures
- Convergence point of several straight lines
- Central position in the Nazca plain
Major Discoveries
- Huarango posts exceptionally preserved
- Ceremonial offerings: textiles and ceramics
- Ritual pits containing organic remains
- Mirror fragments of obsidian and pyrite
Scientific Interpretations
Research suggests Estaqueria served as a sophisticated astronomical calendar:
- Alignment with sunrise at solstices
- Marker of agricultural seasons
- Observation point for stars and constellations
- Center for calculating ceremonial time
The Mystery of the Wooden Posts
Unlike most Nasca sites built with adobe, Estaqueria features unique wooden architecture:
- Huarango wood, resistant local species
- Natural preservation technique through aridity
- Modular structure allowing adjustments
- Possibility of disassembly and replacement
Comparison with Cahuachi
Estaqueria complemented the Nasca ceremonial complex:
- Cahuachi: main religious center, monumental architecture
- Estaqueria: specialized astronomical center, lightweight architecture
- Complementary functions in the ceremonial system
- Different populations: specialists vs pilgrims
