Sillustani

Sillustani is a significant archaeological site located on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno in Peru. It is renowned for its chullpas, which are pre-Inca burial towers constructed by the Qulla people, likely a Puquina-speaking group, during the Late Post-Classical Period. These towering tombs were designed to house the remains of noble family groups, with some chullpas exhibiting pre-Inca construction techniques later adorned with Inca-style stonework. The site reflects the cultural practices of the Aymara people, with a focus on veneration of the dead and kinship. The orientation of the tomb entrances toward the east signifies the cultural belief in the rebirth of the Sun each day. Despite damage from grave robbers, Sillustani remains a well-preserved example of chullpa architecture, offering valuable insights into the mortuary practices and societal structure of the pre-Columbian Andes.