Peru (Chavín culture)

The Chavín culture, which thrived in Peru from around 900 to 200 BCE, is known for its significant influence on later Andean civilizations. Centered around the Chavín de Huantar archaeological site, this culture is recognized for its advanced artistry, including intricate stone carvings and pottery. The Chavín were skilled in metallurgy and agriculture, fostering trade networks across the region. Their religious practices, often involving shamanism, were central to society, with a focus on animal symbolism. The culture laid foundational beliefs and artistic styles that would be adopted and adapted by later Peruvian societies like the Moche and Incas.