The Importance of the Andean Cross to the Inca and Earlier Cultures

To the Inca and other ancient Andean cultures before them, the Andean Cross, otherwise known as the Southern Cross or the Chakana was not just a sacred symbol that reflected the constellation of the stars, but represented the entire conception of life on Earth. It is also sometimes referred to as the Inca cross by guides – although this is wrong!

The symbol was used other Andean cultures long before the Inca ever existed. The earliest known use was found in a temple at the settlement of Ventarrón in the Lambayeque Valley which dates back some 4000 years.