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IPTC: Caption
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This is a detail of the head of condor at the Temple of the Condor. The stylized condor rock is a flat triangular rock with carved eyes and a beak, and two white semicircular stones creating a "ruff," a characteristic of condors. At the end of the beak is a small hole through which rainwater or sacrificial blood easily penetrates gravel and the rock below. Notice the coca leaves within the ruff. Andeans continue to use the coca leaf as a ceremonial offering to Pachamama (earth) and the Apus (mountain dieties).
Our tour guide indicated that the Temple of the Condor was used for sacrificial ceremonies and that the blood from the sacrifices would drain into the condors head and below to Pachamama. Please take note of this when you view the next photograph.
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IPTC: City
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Machu Picchu
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