From the Inca Ushnu to the Holy Cross Church: Materialities in the Sacred Landscape of Sahuara, Arica and Parinacota, Chile

Abstract

[EN] The Holy Cross chapel of Sahuara, built in the 19th century in Camarones, Chile, exemplifies a particular case of the coexistence of different building traditions. Located near a 15th-century Inca ushnu, this church reflects historical continuity and deep intercultural dialogue. The selection of local materials for the church reveals insights into its construction. Stone, mud and cactus wood, deeply rooted in the region’s pre-Hispanic architecture, were skillfully used by colonial builders to adapt to the local environment. Stone ensured durability, while mud allowed faster and more adaptable construction, and cactus wood was used both structurally and decoratively, showcasing a profound understanding of local resources. The ushnu, an important Andean ceremonial platform, stands as a silent witness to the Inca presence in the area. Its proximity to the church suggests deliberate placement, where the church’s construction on a pre-existing sacred space could have symbolized an effort to Christianize the landscape, imposing a new social order after colonization. The coexistence of the ushnu and the Sahuara church is an example of socio-cultural symbiosis. Both monuments, in a certain sense, engage in a dialogue with each other. The church, with its colonial architecture and Christian symbolism, coexists with the Andean cosmovisión rather than overshadowing it. This is evident in its materials, site selection, and the cultural practices still observed there. The Holy Cross church and the ushnu constitute an exceptional testimony to the complex history of the Arica and Parinacota region. Through the analysis of vernacular materialities and the relationship between both monuments, it is possible to understand how indigenous building traditions were adapted and transformed in the context of the colony and republic. This study invites reflection on the richness and diversity of the materialities and cultures that have inhabited this territory