Carved Stone Models as Symbolic Features in the Agrarian Landscape of the Sondondo Valley, Ayacucho, Peru

Abstract

Carved stone models, or piedras maqueta in Spanish are stone representations of the agrarian landscape widely found in the Valley of Sondondo, in the south-central Peruvian Andes. This article aims to examine the representations, locations, scale, and certain visual features of these carved stone models in the valley. My analysis reveals that carved stone monuments provide a unique documentary source of information on the ancient Andean agrarian landscape of the Valley of Sondondo. The piedras maqueta are situated in different areas of the valley, and their study enables an understanding of their symbolism and ritual significance in relation to the environment, as well as daily agricultural spaces and tasks. Therefore, I explore the sacred landscape as an inseparable part of everyday agricultural practices.