The Inca presence at Cerro Jaboncillo: An initial consideration of the architectural evidence

Abstract

Archaeological evidence from the Ecuadorian coastal sites of Manta, Isla de la Plata, Agua Blanca, San Marcos, and Isla Puná points to a careful Inca strategy of creating and maintaining diplomatic relationships with the principal Manteño ritual, residential and administrative centers. To these, the sacred mountain and ceremonial center of Cerro Jaboncillo must now be added. Seen against the background of the standard Manteño architectural forms and construction techniques documented for the mountain, two ceremonial complexes stand out.  Situated on the summit and, two kilometers away and 400 m lower down, near the eastern entry to the mountain, they are distinguished by the inclusion of structures with uniquely trapezoidal ground plans likely oriented, respectively, to the June solstice sunset and the December solstice sunrise. The trapezoidal structure of the lower complex is also aligned with a house that frames a rock that emerges from the ground. While neither trapezoidal forms nor the framing of rocks are part of the Manteño architectural repertoire of Cerro Jaboncillo or elsewhere, they are recognized and even iconic features of Inca architectural design. The trapezoidal summit structures meanwhile were paired with two rectangular structures, so symbolizing the equal union of Inca and Manteño identities at this key Manteño huaca. This and related evidence suggest that when Topac Inca Yupanqui, with his army camped “en Manta, y en Charopotó, y en Piquaza” saw the sea from a high point and worshipped it, the mountain in question may well have been Cerro Jaboncillo.