File number:- pba0128

© South American Pictures/ Kathy Jarvis

Peru, Sahuite / Sawite. This carved rock is on the western side of the Apurimac river on the route to Choquequirao. There is good evidence to suggest that it was a sacred place although the meaning of the carvings has to be speculative. The rock is about 4m diameter and 3m high. It stands within an Inca temple area complete with spring water. Some of the carving has been damaged and this probably occurred when the Spanish priests were attempting to destroy the symbols of idolatry they found in the Inca empire.