A recent study of a mysterious Inca-era monument at Monte Sierpe in the Andes of Peru suggests it may have served as a barter and accounting site for the Chincha kingdom between 1000 and 1400 AD. The site features about 5,200 holes arranged in a grid and measures 0.9 miles long. Researchers used drone technology to analyze the layout, revealing mathematical patterns indicative of organization used for record-keeping.
Initially recorded in the 1930s, Monte Sierpe’s purpose had been unclear, with various hypotheses including storage and water harvesting. The latest research found plant remains, including corn pollen, indicating that humans likely used the pits for storing goods transported in baskets. The layout resembles that of Incan quipus, linking it to accounting practices. The study highlights the site’s role in facilitating trade and interaction among ancient Andean communities.
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