The Appeal., 1911-03-25

fruits. In old days maize and cotton we're extern
sively cultivated here and in many Of the earliest
graves seed pods Of cotton have been found. It
still grows easily in soil SURPRISINGLY rich when
irrigated. A nearby hacienda, apparently con-
tanning the most extensive of the ancient burial
places, Is chiefly devoted to the fluffy bolls and
brown stalks of this plant
The most scholarly and reliable authority
upon Pachacamac history is undoubtedly DR..
Max Uhle now head of the National mu-
scum at Lima. To him is due elucidation of
many puzzng anachronisms in this rich region,
and 1t was our, good fortune to be accompanied
on this trip by Doctor Uhle-to whom every wall
and angle and brick has absolute significance.
The name of the creator god, as applied to
sanctuary, town and river, came into use only
about ITO years before the Spanish conquest No
older name has yet been found ~.3, ..
Burial places always bring rich returns to
those who can interpret their annals. Here is
an enormous number of graves, not less than
$4,000 to $4,000, among them few stall-like
cells, much cruder and earlier than the majority.
Graves are found in the open, in houses, in tenn
ples most OF which have, years ago, been rided
for the gold, silver and gems supposed to be In
TERED with the dead. i.
Previous to the Inca conquest probably at
least two civilizations met Pachacamac-the
culture of the highlands and the newer customs
OF the coast: After cemetery had been used
for a long time the temple was destroyed; even
the sort of civilization itself was changed A
but supplanting, despite the general advance of
the world at large. The founding and growth
OF the Inca empire was one Of the last great
events Of pre-spanish centuries.
Although Pachacanac graves were so rich in
articles from which the story OF the past can
be read larger outlines Of life and custom may
be traced in the runs.of town and temples
Approaching from the north one sees the con-
vent, still called by its ancient name, Mamacona
Cmothers," as applied to the nuns), and sub
ject Of especial study by Doctor Uhle. In the
land OF the lncas celibate women were not un-
common, and were generally attached to some
temple Of the SUM- The mamacona was secluded
sea, with entrance openings. No fewer than 200
of these nuns lived here, and they were obliged
to pass through the inner and outer sanctuary
OF Pachacamac to reach the sun temple.
From the convent 1t is best to pass on to the
former, huge structure 400 feet long, s180 wide
and covering twothirds Of an acre Once there
were terraces on three sides, each 20 feet high
but the sand has SO blown in and over and about
them that they are really dscernible now upon
only one. It's approaches are by five low and
narrow grades" slightly over three feet high
and six In length; the walls once covered with
polychrome frescoes, rich In color and extremely
ancient, though traces Of design still remain.
The top of the temple il a7large plateau $50
feet by 130. It was at least once rebuilt before
the Inca period. and may date from about B. C.
1000: but it is not In any event. later than B. C.
LOO. = ss L
The valley. and indeed the entire region, was
ruled by afchief at Pachacamac. who had the
right TO enter the temDie Of the highest deity az