Lanzón

Lanzón refers to the Lanzón Monolith, a sacred stone sculpture central to the Chavín culture of the northern Peruvian highlands. It is housed in the Great Temple complex at Chavín de Huantar, in the Ancash Region, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating and origins: The Lanzón Monolith dates to approximately 900 BCE, placing it in the Early Horizon period of Andean prehistory. It is a tall, single-block stone carving and is considered one of the most important icons of the Chavín religious system. The exact material of the monolith is described in sources as a hard stone suitable for large-scale carving.

Description and iconography: The monument depicts an elongated, stylized anthropomorphic figure with a prominent central face, a long nose, downturned mouth, and sometimes fanged or horn-like elements. This image is interpreted as a representation of the Lanzón deity, associated with rain, fertility, and the subterranean or underground world. The Lanzón's placement and form reflect Chavín artistic conventions, including complex facial features, serpentine motifs, and ritual symbolism.

Discovery and scholarly context: The site and its central monument gained prominence in the early 20th century through excavations led by archaeologist Julio C. Tello, who helped establish the importance of Chavín de Huantar in Andean archaeology. The Lanzón is widely regarded as a key symbol of the site’s religious and political ideology.

Cultural significance: The Lanzón Monolith embodies the integration of cosmology, ritual practice, and social organization in early Andean civilization. Its presence within the temple complex illustrates how sacred sculpture, architecture, and processional activities conveyed religious meanings and political authority in Chavín society.