The Temple of the Condor showcases how the Inca used natural rock formations to extract spiritual meaning. Using two granite boulders resting as angles for the bird’s outstretched wings, the Inca placed stones on the ground for its head and neck feathers and enhanced the temple with stone walls. Some scholars speculate the head of the condor functioned as an altar. A mummy was found in the natural cave chamber underneath one of the condor’s wings, suggesting the site was for burial purposes.
The Temple of the Condor is the name that the researchers made to a set of capriciously carved stones in such a way that when joined in a three-dimensional way they create the silhouette of a condor taking flight. The temple is made up of three carved stones. The first has the figure of a wing in flight, the second also. Under one of these wings the remains of a mummy were found. The third, unfolded on the ground, has the shape of the condor’s head and crest. This construction was a ceremonial table where rituals were carried out. Seen from the front at a slight distance and with a little imagination, the figure of this famous bird is drawn. The evidences that support this idea are the findings of ceremonial pieces in the place such as: ceramics, textiles and remains of llama blood. Likewise, the temple is very close to the religious sector of Machu Picchu, where ceremonies were held in honor of the sun, mountains and others. However, archaeological evidence shows a group of nine niches and a kind of jail located behind the Temple of the Condor. It is even believed that religious ceremonies were held there in honor of the Andean condor. For the Incas, this bird was sacred and worthy of worship.
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