They found evidence of a pre-Inca religion in Titicaca

Thus, the authors believe that organized religion appeared in this region much earlier than expected.

"People often badociate the Sun Island with the Incas because it was an important pilgrimage site for them and because they have left many buildings and ceremonial offerings in and around this island" , explained anthropologist José Capriles, of the Pennsylvania State University

"Our research shows that the inhabitants of (the ancient Bolivian culture) of Tiwanaku, who developed on Lake Titicaca between 500 and 1100 AD, were the first people to offer valuables to the religious deities of the regionHe added about the region in which the Incas did not arrive until the 15th century.

Titicaca religion 3

During the underwater excavations near Isla del Sol, ritual offerings consisting of: Ceramic incense burners with puma pattern, gold ornaments, shells and lapidary stones. They also shot proof of animal sacrifices.

"The results (…) are significant because they help us better understand the ritual behavior and religion of the state of Tiwanaku, a society that preceded the Incas for many centuries," said Christophe Delaere, co – author of the study. .

Religion Titicaca 2

In addition, researchers believe that the offers found were intentionally immersed in the water.

"The presence of anchors near the offerings suggests that the authorities in place may have deposited the offerings during the rituals practiced on boats"Capriles, for whom Isla del Sol was probably important for the inhabitants of Tiwanaku because of its natural beauty, but also for its location in the center of the Andean mountains.

"It was a strategic place full of rituals," he said, adding that "the ritual offerings they have made here testify to the transition from more local religious system societies to something that had a more ambitious geopolitical and spiritual appeal"