The Hall of the Braided Serpents (La Sala de las Serpientes Trenzadas): New Discoveries on Pañamarca’s Moche Plaza

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Paisajes Arqueológicos de Pañamarca: Findings from the 2018–2023 Field Seasons" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Excavations in 2023 revealed a previously unexcavated structure in the southern corner of the Moche plaza at Pañamarca. Here we present our findings related to this building, which contains large, well-preserved pillars with anthropomorphized snakes on all facades and the life-sized painting of a Moche monster chasing a man. We also discuss multiple renewal events of the space that included various offerings—most notably textiles—burning events, the careful capping of floors, and the white-washing of previously painted walls. The prominent position of this structure, perched above the plaza but also private, leads us to suggest it played an important role for privileged individuals overseeing the activities performed below.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paisajes Arqueológicos de Pañamarca: Findings from the 2018–2023 Field Seasons   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 38280.0