Chavin Social Life
Below are ruins of the Chavin civilization, once the greatest influence in all of South America.
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Chavín society was religiously centered around Chavín de Huántar’s status as a sort of hub for faiths of all sorts. At the center of this system was the religious cult that worshipped the Chavín deities. This religion spread like wildfire throughout surrounding regions, prompting people to come from all areas to deliver tributes to Chavín de Huántar in honor of the religion. Their artistic ability and skill was a focus in day to day lives, and the temple had administrators on payroll to maintain order in the religious building. Priests took a ruling role in society, exercising their power in a society without any true distinction between state and religion. Tributes to the deities from visiting people bolstered economic progress in Chavín de Huántar. Citizens living around Chavín de Huántar lived off agriculture and domesticated herds of llamas, and over time the Chavín influence spread. Llamas in particular played a strong role in Chavín lifestyle; they were used for the transport of goods, and roads were put in place as their usage became more widespread.
Notably, a social class emerged, like most other civilizations. In an interesting correlation, a person’s proximity to the center of Chavín de Huántar strongly denoted their wealth. Those on the physical fringes of the city were on the economic fringes also; conversely, those in the center were benefitted by a healthier diet and wealthier lifestyle of convenience and luxuries. More of a focus on art like ceramics was apparent in the inner area; the outer people had less time for such things and lived off the land agriculturally. Such divisions in class and society were pronounced and quite distinct from one another.
Notably, a social class emerged, like most other civilizations. In an interesting correlation, a person’s proximity to the center of Chavín de Huántar strongly denoted their wealth. Those on the physical fringes of the city were on the economic fringes also; conversely, those in the center were benefitted by a healthier diet and wealthier lifestyle of convenience and luxuries. More of a focus on art like ceramics was apparent in the inner area; the outer people had less time for such things and lived off the land agriculturally. Such divisions in class and society were pronounced and quite distinct from one another.