The Temple of the Andes

A pioneering account of the Tiwanaku site, 'The Temple of the Andes' by Richard Inwards (1866), offers one of the earliest detailed observations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, predating systematic archaeological studies. Inwards' work provides contemporary insights into the structures and potential purpose of Tiwanaku's ruins, alongside cultural observations of the local people. Published in 1884 but based on his 1866 visit, the text combines rigorous fieldwork with illustrative sketches and plans, contributing to early understandings of this significant Andean civilization. Its historical value lies in its contemporaneity with other foundational studies, such as those by E.G. Squier, and its blend of descriptive accuracy with speculative interpretations that reflect 19th-century archaeological thought.

Inwards, R. (2014). The Temple of the Andes. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139923569