Viracocha - Representation of Wiracochan or Tunupa at Ollantaytambo

Representation of Wiracochan or Tunupa At Ollantaytambo

According to local myth, a representation of the messenger of Viracocha (‘The Creator of Civilization’) named Wiracochan or Tunupa is shown in the small village of Ollantaytambo, southern Peru. Ollantaytambo located in the department of Cusco makes up a chain of small villages along the Urubamba Valley also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was an important stronghold of the Incan Empire. Facing the ancient Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo in the rock face of Cerro Pinkuylluna is the 140 metre high figure of Wiracochan. The angry looking formation of his face is made up of indentations that form the eyes and mouth, whilst a protruding carved rock denotes the nose. Inca ruins built on top of the face are also considered to represent a crown on his head. Artist impressions of the rock face also include a heavy beard and a large sack upon his shoulders.

The face of Viracocha at Ollantaytambo can be captured as noted by Fernando and Edgar Elorrieta Salazar, Wiracochan, the pilgrim preacher of knowledge, the master knower of time, and described as a person with superhuman power, a tall man, with short hair, dressed like a priest or an astronomer with tunic and a bonnet with four pointed corners.

According to travel writer Paul Jones, "This incredible myth of a Viracocha spreads throughout South America and beyond. This ancient mystical God, who by local legend rose from the middle of Lake Titicaca to create mankind was and is still today truly respected. The rock carving at Ollantaytambo is a striking reminder of the spiritual connections the Incas had with the Andes."