Intihuatana

The Intihuatana stone is a carved ritual stone associated with the Inca civilization in Peru. While often referred to as a "pillar," it is more accurately described as a precisely carved stone structure. The term "Intihuatana" translates to "hitching post of the sun". These stones are believed to have been used as astronomical clocks or calendars, tracking the solstices and equinoxes to determine planting and festival seasons.12

The most famous Intihuatana stone is located at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel. While the exact purpose of Intihuatana stones is debated, their alignment with celestial events suggests a significant role in Inca religious practices and their worship of the sun god, Inti.321