The South American country of Peru is world-renowned for its Inca ruins, especially the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Cusco-based sculptor Michael de Titan continues the Inca tradition of merging art with nature with the completion of his latest project, Apukunaq Tianan (meaning “dwelling of the gods”). Located about 40 minutes from Cusco, this modern tourist attraction features a variety of sculptures carved directly into the mountain rock.
Among the figures is a representation of the Andean creator deity Viracocha (or Wiracocha), the Inca Earth Mother Pachamama, the head of a puma (part of the Inca trilogy of symbolic animals), and the face of the last monarch of the neo-Inca state, Túpac Amaru. De Titan used only a chisel and hammer to add these incredible artworks to the mountain wall. All sculptures measure between 15 and 17 meters (49.2 and 55.8 feet) in height.
The inauguration of Apukunaq Tianan in 2021 coincides with the bicentennial year of Peru’s independence. You can find more information about the sculptures, including current visiting hours and entrance prices, by following the attraction on Facebook.
Peruvian sculptor Michael de Titan has carved figures based on Andean gods into the same rock.
These sculptures are part of a new tourist attraction in Cusco, Peru, called Apukunaq Tianan, meaning “the dwelling of the gods”.
It was inaugurated in 2021 to celebrate the bicentennial year of Peru’s independence.
.
.
.
.
