[From the Original 1927 Catalog] Along the length of the deep canyon which aids in the formation of the table land upon which Chan Chan stands are various indentations and projecting spits of land which act variously as wells or dikes. For which reason Middendorf judged them to be works formed by the sea. These walls which are the same level as the beach are constantly moist and the and the fishermen of the neighborhood use them as places to spread out the fibrous material which they use in the manufacture of the mats and little fish nets. All of these show signs of having been faced with rock. The wachakes number more than ten but I have photographed only the most notable ones.
P08808-P08820, N36315-N36316
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Collection Citation:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Major Otto Holstein photographs from Chan Chan, Peru, Item Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.