Architecture of Ayacucho

There were two types of architecture of the Ayacucho. The first type of architecture appears to take the form of a communal hut, the second as a ceremonial hut. The communal huts held many tools, plant remains and shallow clay-lined pit which served as braziers. The communal hut usually took on the shape of a rectangle, and were constructed in the following ways.

There were two types of architecture of the Ayacucho. The first type of architecture appears to take the form of a communal hut, the second as a ceremonial hut. The communal huts held many tools, plant remains and shallow clay-lined pit which served as braziers. The communal hut usually took on the shape of a rectangle, and were constructed by placing hardwood planks on the ground and held in there by wooden stakes approximately 1 meter apart. Then small saplings were driven into the ground a meter apart from each other. The saplings were then made to form the frame for the huts and animal skins were then placed atop the frame to form the walls.

The second type of hut had multiple purposes which appear to have been ceremonial in design. The structure was Y-shaped and was placed away from the other huts. Activities that took place within the huts consisted of shamanistic practices, the processing of meat, group feasting and healing practices. Items found within the hut consisted of clay lined braziers, pieces of animal hides, burned reeds and seeds, and several species of medicinal plants including chewed leaves. These huts were constructed by making a foundation of sand and gravel. Upright poles were placed every half meter and acted as a pole frame for the hide coverings. A raised platform in the back of the hut gave the structure it’s “Y” shape. The platform was 3×4 meters high.