Killke culture facts for kids
The Killke culture was a group of people who lived in the South American region around Cusco, Peru. They were around from about 900 to 1200 AD. This was before the famous Inca culture began in the 13th century.
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Who Were the Killke People?
The Killke culture thrived in the highland areas of Peru. Their main home was near what we now call Cusco. Some experts believe that the Killke people, not the Inca, built parts of the huge fortress called Saksaywaman. They might have worked on it during the 12th century.
Discoveries at Saksaywaman
In 2007, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They found a temple right on the edge of the Saksaywaman fortress. This finding showed that the site was used for religious purposes, not just for military defense.
Killke Pottery and Art
The unique pottery of the Killke culture was first studied by an American archaeologist named John H. Rowe. Killke pots were often round-shaped. They usually had vertical handles that looked like straps. Their decorations were simple lines and shapes. These designs were often black or black-on-red, painted over a white or light brown background.
Naming the Culture
It was John Howland Rowe (1918–2004) who gave the name "Killke" to this ancient culture. He was a very important archaeologist who studied the history of Peru.
