Intihuatana

= Intihuatana =

Intihuatana (the hitching post of the sun) is an Incan ritual stone in Peru. There are two of them, one in Pisac and one on top of Machu Picchu. These were astronomical clocks or calendars that determined when it was time for the winter solstice. No one is for sure how they were built, sculpted, or how they got there, but it was done for a purpose because of their specific shape and position.

These “clocks” were used by the inca people to determine when the solstices and harvest seasons were. This depended on the shadows on the stone. Each year a ceremony would be held at the Intihuatana and a priest said a prayer asking their gods for a good harvest. He would place his hands on the rock at exactly the right time and pray for many years of prosperity.

Today, the Intihuatana are a large tourist attraction. In 2000, one was hit and severely damaged with a crane and they are now more protected because of it. The Intihuatana, according to tourists, give off a positive energy that makes them feel recharged.

By: Lydia Reed