The Inca Ushnu ceremonial platform of Chena, Maipo Valley, Chile/Plataforma ceremonial Ushnu Inca de chena, Valle Del Maipo, Chile

The results of the archaeological excavations of a sector with mound structures located on the SE edge of the square intramural Chena Pucara are presented. The aim is to identify the origin and function of this facility and submit contrasting hypotheses raised by various researchers mentioning that in this place the Tawantinsuyu (Inca) established an important ceremonial site (ushnu). Fieldwork have uncovered the remains of the internal structure of rock and dirt of an architectural quadrilateral platform of 6.5 x 6.5 m and 0.70 m in height approximately, a rear ramp, the same material and evidence of a central hole. Among the remains recovered were small loose rocks, six large boulders, remains of tufa and sulfur and fragments of camel, malacological and ceramics, all of the Inca period. The latter were dated by thermoluminescence providing two coherent dating: 1490 and 1505 AD. The remains proved to be similar to findings in ushnus with existing ceremonial platform in the main squares and administrative centers along the Tawantinsuyu, which supported the hypothesis that the remains of Chena corresponded to a facility of this type. It became the southernmost platform of the Tawantinsuyu.