Plazas and Processional Paths in Tiwanaku Temples: Divergence, Convergence, and Encounter at Omo M10, Moquegua, Peru

Excavations at the Omo M10 Tiwanaku temple in Moquegua, Peru (AD 500–1100), revealed divergent processional pathways that challenge previous interpretations of Tiwanaku ceremonial architecture. While a central axial route—marked by doorways, staircases, stelae, and U-shaped structures—led to the sunken court and shrine, lateral pathways connected isolated walled patios with roofed chambers, suggesting these functioned as specialized chapels for distinct groups or pluralistic cultic activities. This finding implies a complex social structure within Tiwanaku society, potentially reflecting mediation between ethnicities, genders, or other pluralistic entities. The study contrasts these observations with Kolata's 'Taypi' model, proposing a structural amalgam of center and complementary halves to explain bilateral complementarity in the state.

Goldstein, P. S., & Sitek, M. J. (2018). PLAZAS AND PROCESSIONAL PATHS IN TIWANAKU TEMPLES: DIVERGENCE, CONVERGENCE, AND ENCOUNTER AT OMO M10, MOQUEGUA, PERU. Latin American Antiquity, 29(3), 455–474. https://doi.org/10.1017/laq.2018.26