Unraveling the Mystery of Monte Sierpe: The Band of Holes in Peru

A series of approximately 5,200 holes, known as Monte Sierpe or “serpent mountain,” stretches nearly a mile (1.5 kilometers) across the Pisco Valley in the southern Peruvian Andes. This archaeological site has puzzled researchers for nearly a century, with its origins and purpose remaining largely speculative. Recent studies, however, have begun to shed light on its potential uses, suggesting it may have served as both a marketplace for pre-Inca civilizations and an accounting system for the Incas.

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A study published on November 10 in the journal *Antiquity* utilized drone technology and microbotanical analysis to explore the site. Lead author Dr. Jacob Bongers, a digital archaeologist at the University of Sydney, noted that the holes, ranging from 3.3 to 6.6 feet in width and 1.6 to 3.3 feet in depth, are organized into roughly 60 distinct sections. This organization indicates a purposeful design rather than random placement. The analysis of ancient pollen grains revealed the presence of crops such as maize and wild plants, suggesting that goods were exchanged at this site.

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The research team posits that Monte Sierpe was initially a bustling marketplace for the pre-Inca Chincha Kingdom, where indigenous peoples exchanged goods without currency. Bongers speculated that items like cotton, coca, and chili peppers may have been bartered using the holes as a form of storage or accounting. Dr. Dennis Ogburn, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, emphasized the significance of this research in understanding Andean archaeology.

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The study also suggests that the Incas later adapted Monte Sierpe for their accounting needs. Bongers likened the site to an “Excel spreadsheet” for the Inca Empire, as its segmented organization mirrors the Inca counting system known as khipu. This system utilized knotted strings to record numerical data, and the researchers are investigating potential connections between the holes and khipus to determine if they were used to collect tribute from local communities.

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While the findings are promising, Ogburn cautioned that more evidence is needed to establish a definitive link between the holes and Inca accounting practices. The research team continues to study khipus to explore any numerical relationships that may exist. Dr. Christian Mader from the University of Bonn highlighted the importance of this research in contributing to the understanding of ancient economies.

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As research on Monte Sierpe progresses, it underscores the need for narratives that accurately represent local heritage and incorporate Indigenous perspectives. Bongers emphasized the ongoing challenge of interpreting this archaeological puzzle, stating, “It’s crucial to ensure that such narratives incorporate Indigenous perspectives and archaeological evidence to represent local heritage accurately.” The study of Monte Sierpe not only aims to unravel its historical significance but also to enhance the understanding of Indigenous economic mechanisms in ancient Peru.

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• “Why would ancient peoples make over 5,000 holes in the foothills of southern Peru?” — Dr. Jacob Bongers, Digital Archaeologist

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• “Monte Sierpe is a site that has truly been a mystery in Andean archaeology, and I am excited to see this research being done,” — Dr. Dennis Ogburn, Associate Professor

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• “Their proposal that the site served as a marketplace during the Late Intermediate period and as an accounting device for goods and tribute under the Inca Empire is interesting and convincing,” — Dr. Christian Mader, Research Group Leader

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