Tallán facts for kids
Map of the Tallán culture in Piura
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| Period | Late Intermediate |
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| Dates | c. 500 - 1470 |
| Type site | Narihualá |
| Preceded by | Moche, Vicús |
| Followed by | Inca empire |
The Tallán people (sometimes called Tacllán) were a group of ancient cultures who lived in the flat lands of northwestern Peru. They shared a common background and had a special way of life where women held important leadership roles. The name Tacllán might come from the taclla, which was a farming tool they used.
The Tallán people moved to the coastal plains from the Andes Mountains. The Tumpis people, who lived in the area of modern-day Department of Tumbes, are often thought to be related to the Tallán.
In the beginning, the Tallán lived in simple villages called behetrias. These villages didn't have a main leader or a complex organization. Everyone in the village usually did the same main job, like farming or fishing. They traded goods with nearby groups to get what they needed to live.
This need to trade with others eventually led to bigger empires taking control. First, the Chimú Empire ruled over them, and later the powerful Incas took over around 1470. However, the Incas didn't rule for very long before the Spanish arrived in 1532. Because of this, the Tallán people were not fully absorbed into the Inca Empire.
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Where Did the Tallán Live?
The Tallán culture was located in the northwestern part of Peru, mainly in the region that is now the Department of Piura. Their territory stretched across the coastal plains, which were good for farming and fishing.
Narihualá: The Tallán Capital
The most important city of the Tallán people was Narihualá. This ancient site is about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) south of the modern city of Piura. Narihualá is known for its impressive buildings, especially its large platforms and two pyramids.
The main temple at Narihualá was built to honor Walac, who was an important god for the Tacllán people. This temple shows how skilled the Tallán were at building and how important their religious beliefs were.
Huaca El Loro: An Ancient Burial Site
Another important Tallán archaeological site is Huaca El Loro, which is near Chiclayo, Peru. At this site, archaeologists discovered a 1000-year-old mummy of a nobleman. This discovery helps us learn more about how the Tallán people lived and how they buried their important leaders.
What Was Tallán Society Like?
The Tallán people had a unique social system. Unlike many other ancient cultures, they had a matriarchal system. This means that women held significant power and influence in their society. They might have been leaders, decision-makers, or held important religious roles.
How Did They Make a Living?
The Tallán people were very good at using the resources around them. Their main activities were:
- Agriculture: They farmed the land, growing crops in the fertile coastal plains.
- Fishing: Living near the coast, fishing was a crucial part of their diet and economy.
- Barter: They traded goods with neighboring groups. This allowed them to get things they couldn't produce themselves, like goods from the mountains or other regions.
Who Ruled the Tallán?
For a long time, the Tallán lived in independent villages. But eventually, stronger empires began to expand.
- Chimú Influence: The Chimú Empire, which was a powerful state in northern Peru, extended its control over the Tallán people.
- Inca Conquest: Later, the mighty Incas conquered the Chimú and, in turn, took control of the Tallán lands around 1470. The Incas were known for their vast empire and strong organization.
However, the Inca rule over the Tallán was quite short. The Spanish arrived in Peru in 1532, only about 60 years after the Inca conquest. This short period meant that the Tallán culture kept many of its own traditions and was not fully changed by the Inca way of life.
Images for kids
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In Spanish: Tallán para niños
