Huaca Dos Cabezas

Abstract

Huaca Dos Cabezas is an enormous Moche structure on the north coast of Peru. Although it was heavily eroded by both wind and water after its abandonment ca. 650 C.E., and was extensively damaged by massive looting that took place during the early Colonial Period, archaeological and iconographic evidence make it possible to reconstruct its size, form, exterior ornamentation, and summit access. It is also possible to identify changes that resulted from three successive phases of its construction. The structure has several unusual features, including a pyramid with zigzag corners, double stairways providing access to the pyramid's summit, and a black and white diamond pattern on its exterior surfaces. After the Inca conquered the north coast ca. 1470 C.E., a small shrine was built at Huaca Dos Cabezas. Although the large-scale looting that occurred during the early Colonial Period destroyed and buried the shrine, the looting does not appear to have yielded any significant treasure.