---
title: Gateway of the Sun, Tiwanaku
author: Dennis Jarvis
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2374/gateway-of-the-sun-tiwanaku/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Gateway of the Sun, Tiwanaku
_Authored by Dennis Jarvis_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2374.jpg)
## Image Caption
The Gateway of the Sun in [Tiwanaku](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tiwanaku/) (Tiahuanaco), Bolivia. Carved from a single massive block of andesite stone, the Gateway is 2.8 metres high and 3.8 metres wide. The opening in the gate is 1.4 metres wide. The top portion has relief carvings of 48 winged demons or angels wearing feathered headdresses set in three rows The central figure is known as the Staff Deity, a [pan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Pan/)-Andean [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) and forerunner of [Viracocha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Viracocha/) the [Inca](https://www.worldhistory.org/Inca_Civilization/) Creator god. The gate gave entrance to the Kalasasaya sacred precinct, c. 300 CE.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Jarvis, D. (2014, March 14). Gateway of the Sun, Tiwanaku. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Jarvis, Dennis. "Gateway of the Sun, Tiwanaku." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 14, 2014. .
### MLA
Jarvis, Dennis. "Gateway of the Sun, Tiwanaku." *World History Encyclopedia*, 14 Mar 2014, .
## License & Copyright
[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/22490717@N02/4544175977/in/photolist-7Vy6cF-4nWhqX-4nWhde-4nWi18-4o1mM9-4nWhEr-4o1mum-4nWhTX-4nWhvB-4o1n2E-4nWhMR-4nWhKa-4nWhCk-4nWhSn-4nWht8-4nWhzM-4nWhy8-7Ay7kY-7zCYFN-4nWhiV)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](http://www.flickr.com/photos/22490717@N02/4544175977/in/photolist-7Vy6cF-4nWhqX-4nWhde-4nWi18-4o1mM9-4nWhEr-4o1mum-4nWhTX-4nWhvB-4o1n2E-4nWhMR-4nWhKa-4nWhCk-4nWhSn-4nWht8-4nWhzM-4nWhy8-7Ay7kY-7zCYFN-4nWhiV) by [**Dennis Jarvis**](http://www.flickr.com/photos/22490717@N02/4544175977/in/photolist-7Vy6cF-4nWhqX-4nWhde-4nWi18-4o1mM9-4nWhEr-4o1mum-4nWhTX-4nWhvB-4o1n2E-4nWhMR-4nWhKa-4nWhCk-4nWhSn-4nWht8-4nWhzM-4nWhy8-7Ay7kY-7zCYFN-4nWhiV). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 14 March 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon a work even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.