Chakana

Chakana, commonly called the Andean cross or Inca cross, is a symbol used in the Andean region, notably by the Inca and their predecessors. The name comes from Quechua, often interpreted as “ladder” or “stairway,” reflecting its stepped form and its role as a bridge between realms.

Its characteristic form is a stepped cross with three tiers or arms, often drawn within a square or diamond outline. The three levels symbolize the three major worlds of Andean cosmology: Hanan Pacha (the upper world), Kay Pacha (the world of living beings), and Uku Pacha (the lower world). In many depictions the central motif is a square or small diamond at the center, sometimes interpreted as the axis mundi that connects the three realms.

Historical and cultural significance: The chakana appears in archaeological artifacts from Tiwanaku to the Inca period and is widely found across the Andean region in textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and architecture. It is used in ritual and calendrical contexts and has become a symbol of indigenous Andean identity in modern Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and neighboring areas.

Misconceptions: The chakana is not a Christian cross, nor is it a direct map of a single constellation. While some popular accounts connect it to celestial phenomena or solstice alignments, the symbol’s meanings are diverse and vary by community. In contemporary usage, it is often treated as a general emblem of Andean heritage and spirituality.