Journal Article

Spatial Analysis of the Functional Andean Worldview of the Archaeological Site of Ankasmarka, Cusco—Peru 2024

Salas, Geoffrey, Ccalla, Jimena, Yabar, Guisela, Condori, Javier, Esenarro, Doris, Reyes, Mario, Uribe, Cecilia, Santos, Mirko De los

2025

Overview

The objective of this research is to conduct a spatial analysis of the functional Andean worldview of the Ankasmarka Archaeological Site, located in Calca, Peru. The preservation of cultural heritage in Latin America faces significant challenges that threaten the integrity of key sites such as Ankasmarka. Despite its historical relevance, this site lacks available open access information and data, collected in accessible reports, which hinders the attraction of attention and funding necessary for its conservation. Furthermore, urbanization and uncontrolled tourism negatively impact both cultural traditions and the connection of local communities with their past. The methodology employed is based on a systematic review of primary information, supplemented by excavation reports and official sources. Specialized software such as AutoCAD Architecture and Revit were used to carry out the topographic and architectural survey of the site, enabling the precise and rigorous interpretation of the data. This article focuses on the spatial and functional description of the site, with the aim of paving the way for future research in specific areas such as formal and structural analysis, as well as social and political dynamics. The results reveal a complex organizational structure at Ankasmarka, with enclosures designated for various functions, particularly storage and agricultural activities. The site is divided into three sectors: Sector A, which includes housing, storage areas, and tombs; and Sector B and C, with the highest concentration of housing and agricultural zones with storage areas, respectively. The findings underscore the interrelationship between agriculture, funerary practices, and architecture, highlighting the importance of Ankasmarka in the lives of its ancient inhabitants and the need for continued future research.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Agricultural management / Andean cosmovision / Ankasmarca / archeological center / Architecture / Cultural heritage / Cultural relations / Cultural resources / Deities / Excavation / Festivals / Geomatics / Historic buildings & sites / Housing / Incan civilization / Local communities / Methods / Organizational structure / Social archaeology / Social aspects / Spatial analysis / Structural analysis / Tourism / Traditions / Urbanization / Worldview (Philosophy)