In the remote town of Huaytar á, Peru, the Church of San Juan Bautista stands atop a remarkable three-walled Incan structure known as a carpa uasi. This unique building, which potentially dates back to the 15th century, is currently the focus of research investigating its acoustic properties. A team led by Stella Nair, an associate professor of Indigenous arts of the Americas at the University of California, Los Angeles, suggests that this structure may have been designed to amplify sound, particularly low-frequency tones such as drumming.
Nair’s research reveals that the Incan Empire, famed for its architectural marvels like the citadel of Machu Picchu, also prioritized sound in its designs. “We’re exploring the possibility that the carpa uasi may have amplified low-frequency sounds, such as drumming, with minimal reverberation,” Nair stated. This insight highlights the cultural significance of sound in Andean architecture, suggesting that the Incas valued auditory experiences just as much as visual aesthetics.
Understanding the Acoustic Design
The carpa uasi, which translates to “tent house,” is characterized by its three walls, allowing sound to be directed outward. This design choice might have facilitated the communication of music and ritualistic drumming beyond its confines. Nair and her colleagues aim to develop a model demonstrating how sound would have propagated through this ancient structure and into the surrounding environment.
Nair emphasized that while many admire Inca architecture for its impressive stonework, this perspective often overlooks the importance of ephemeral elements like sound. “Many people look at Inca architecture and are impressed with the stonework, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Nair noted. By recognizing the acoustic potential of the carpa uasi, researchers are expanding the understanding of Incan priorities and cultural practices.
Insights into Incan Culture
The carpa uasi is the only known surviving structure of its kind, having withstood the test of time for over 600 years thanks to the church built on top of it. Nair’s team may be the first to highlight its sound-amplifying capabilities, which opens up new avenues for understanding the role of sound in Incan civilization.
“Sound studies are really critical because we tend to emphasize the visual in how we understand the world around us, including our past,” Nair concluded. “But that’s not how we experience life—all of our senses are critical.” By integrating sound into the discourse on historical architecture, researchers can provide a more comprehensive view of Incan life and values.
The ongoing study of the carpa uasi not only sheds light on the architectural ingenuity of the Incas but also encourages a reevaluation of how we perceive ancient civilizations. As researchers delve deeper into the acoustic landscape of this remarkable structure, they aim to reveal the complexities of sound, culture, and community that characterized the Incan Empire.
