Muyu Urqu

An archaeological site and prominent hill at 3,482 meters elevation in the Cusco Region, Santiago District, Peru, on the right bank of the Watanay River. The Quechua name translates to 'circle mountain' (muyu = circle, urqu = mountain). The site is notable for its locally-produced polychrome pottery style, also called Muyu Urqu, which researchers have used to study the impact of Wari state expansion on local trade networks in the Cusco region. Studies suggest the manufacture and trade of this pottery was little affected by Wari presence, indicating early expansionist states did not necessarily overwhelm pre-existing social networks.