Wari+Civilization

= The Wari Civilization =

The Wari civilization of Peru developed in the central highlands of Peru between AD 500 and 1000. They formed the first empire in the Andes, governing from their capital city of Huari. The Wari were a militaristic people who were gifted agriculturalists with much economic stability and prosperity.

The government structure of the Wari consisted of different ethnic groups and classes which formed an hierarchy system. The empire was made up of many large towns, each with local governors that supervised smaller surrounding towns and villages. Each of these provincial capitals were connected by a large road network, which would be used by the Incas in the future.

The Wari people were known for their agriculture system as well as their economic stability and prosperity. The gifted agriculturalists among the Wari constructed canals to irrigate terraced fields. This system of terrace farming later influenced the Incas. The Wari had great military might, many economic benefits, and a distinctive artistic imagery. The Wari’s most lasting legacy was for their artistic style, which influenced Moche and Lambayeque civilizations. The most popular Wari art creations were textiles and pottery. The designs were very elaborate, some even beyond recognition. Much of the art illustrated the importance of certain animals such as llamas, pumas and condors. Much of the art that has been discovered was found buried with the dead in tombs.

Now, to get a real taste of Wari life and culture, imagine you lived in Wari Society around 800… “You’ve been out for hours on this cold, blustering day; your face is wind-whipped and stinging. You try to warm your cheeks with your free hand. With your other hand, you help your sister carry a basketful of pepper berries. You’ve been collecting berries for days. You’ll take them to a group of specially chosen women--one of whom is your oldest sister--to brew into a spicy fermented drink. Your younger brother, carrying a smaller basket, is trying to balance on the stone wall lining the path. Just beyond lie steep mountain slopes--and a big drop! ‘Get down,’ you call. ‘We don’t want to lose any berries, and I suppose we might miss you if you fall.’ At the brewing facility, warm, fragrant steam takes away your chill. The women boil down the berries, then pour the sticky liquid into vats to ferment for about a week. When finished, most of the brew will go to the rulers to serve at political and social events.”

This is a little insight of what it was like to live like the Wari, brought to you from the Native Americas exhibit at the Field Museum of Chicago.

The Wari civilization was once a strong and prospering group of Peru. The first findings from their culture were found in excavations beginning in the 1940s. These findings revealed the wealth and power of their people. The cause of their decline has since been unknown, but their legacy in the Peruvian Andes continues to grow.

By: Hannah Jackson