The Mystery of the Mosollacta Ruins
In the intricate high jungle of the Cusco region, there are several fascinating archaeological sites that were used in ancient times as fortified citadels or agricultural and residential centers.
One such site is the enigmatic Miraflores, which I had the opportunity to explore and study in September 2011 with the Deyermenjian group. This non-fortified citadel was likely built and used by pre-Inca people for agricultural purposes in ancient times, possibly to supply soldiers guarding the farthest limits of the Huari empire, near the frontier with the Amazonian lowlands (specifically the watershed between the Yavero River valley and the Madre de Dios region).
Other notable sites include Espiritu Pampa, which served as the last refuge for the Incas of Vilcabamba, and the Hualla Fortress, discovered by explorer Carlos Neuenschwander Landa in 1958.
Recently, I had the chance to explore the lower Yavero River area and the Pongo de Mainique, or the gorge of the Urubamba River.
I began my journey in Quillabamba, the coffee capital of the Cusco region. From there, I traveled to Ivochote in an off-road vehicle, navigating narrow dirt roads perched above the Urubamba River. Ivochote exudes a unique atmosphere as the last frontier before the Amazonian lowlands. Beyond Ivochote, the Urubamba River flows through stunning landscapes via the Pongo de Mainique, a gorge where the river reaches depths of up to 80 meters. Beyond the gorge lies the vast Amazonian lowlands, extending toward the Ucayali River.
After navigating the Pongo de Mainique and exploring the adjacent area, I spent several days with a group of Matsigenka indigenous people, delving into their ancestral culture and mythological worldview. I then returned to Ivochote for a brief rest.
From Ivochote, I embarked on another exploration toward the lower Yavero River, stopping at the Matsigenka communities of Matoriato and Yoquiri. I then ascended the valley toward the small village of Chogotiari, a multi-day hike. At the summit of the mountain, hidden by dense and lush vegetation, lies an intriguing archaeological site called Mosollacta. Unfortunately, it was recently looted by unscrupulous individuals with no regard for historical or archaeological significance.
The site, located at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level and spanning about two hectares, comprises various retaining walls enclosing some residential spaces. The rustic construction and rounded corners, lacking precise perpendicularity, suggest a pre-Inca origin, possibly dating back to the Huari era.
In the main structure, I noticed a niche that may have been used as an altar for offerings to a deity. Such offerings might have included coca leaves, maize kernels, and similar items. There was also an interesting canalization system, possibly used to direct water downhill for irrigation purposes.
A significant feature, sadly looted by treasure hunters, is a relief carving of a jaguar. While rustic, the depiction is well-defined and points to a jaguar cult. As is well-known, in the Andean Trinity, the jaguar symbolizes strength and determination, representing the present world, in contrast to the serpent (the underworld) and the condor (proximity to the Sun and, therefore, God).
Who were the builders of Mosollacta? It is still too early to give a definitive answer, but some hypotheses can be made.
Considering the recent discovery of the tomb of a Huari prince at Espiritu Pampa, not far from Mosollacta, it is plausible to suggest that the builders of Mosollacta were Huari people who dominated the entire Urubamba valley before the rise of the Incas.
In my opinion, the citadel of Mosollacta was used in ancient times as both an agricultural center and an outpost for monitoring and controlling the Yavero River valley. Its location atop a mountain, at the watershed between the Urubamba and Yavero River valleys, made it an ideal strategic position.
YURI LEVERATTO
Copyright 2013
