The possible initial period origins of the Chavin Jaguar motif

Abstract

For years, the focus of study in the Chavin culture has been on their influence on later cultures. This study is meant to look into the influences that cultures in the Initial Period may have had on the Chavin, in particular, to their famous jaguar motif. To do this, radiocarbon dates are taken into account as well as use of a seriation of Chavin art styles and unique features of the Chavin motif. After researching seven sites but only being able to use three due to various reasons, it appears that the Chavin jaguar motif was truly a unique, stylistic invention of the Chavin culture.