Sechin

Almost as impressive as Sechin itself are the efforts that have been made to preserve this fragile desert site. A stone staircase has been carved into the rock of the hillside beneath which sits this important coastal site. Visitors can first circle above the site allowing an overview, before viewing the elaborately carved stone facing at the base of the site. The Sechin Culture was contemporary with Chavin de Huantar and shows certain Chavin influence. Some archaeologists suggest that Sechin may have pre-dated Chavin, and that the Chavin cult may have migrated from this coastal site.

This modern stairway, crude as it may be, gives some indication of the labor involved in the original structure. The walk offers a unique view of the site and the efforts that have gone into preserving it.

This overview shows some of the canals that have been dug to channell runoff away from the site to avoid the devestating effects of erosion. The majority of the remains here were earthen structures, while the main enclosure was faced in stone.

The carvings that cover the base at Sechin depict larger than life-size warriors surrounded by "trophy heads" with their lifeless eyes. There are also others depicted who are shown as naked and much smaller than the Sechin warriors--presumably slaves, as well as a variety of severed limbs.

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