<P> The Chavin civilization was centered on the site of Chavin de Huantar, the religious center of the Chavin people and the capital of the Chavin culture . The temple is a massive flat - topped pyramid surrounded by lower platforms . It is a U-shaped plaza with a sunken circular court in the center . The inside of the temple walls are decorated with sculptures and carvings . Chavin de Huantar was constructed over many stages starting prior to 1200 BC, with most major construction over by 750 BC . The site continued in use as a ceremonial center until around 500 BC, but prior to 400 BC its primary religious function had ceased, and the site was occupied by casual residents of the highly distinct cultural tradition, Huaraz . During its heyday, Chavin de Huantar was used as a religious center for ceremonies and events, perhaps a home for an oracle . The site contains a number of major structures, including Temples A, B, C and D, and areas and buildings designated as the Major Plaza, the Circular Plaza, the Old Temple and New Temple, although the latter two designations are no longer accurate in light of recent research advances . </P> <P> The "Circular Plaza" appears to have been a sacred and ritually important open - air space within a ceremonial center . Prior to 800--700 BC, this location had a number of functions, including serving as an atrium for entering Temple A through the temple's north staircase . The plaza in the classic period, after 700 BC, is bounded on three sides by major Temples A, B, and C. The plaza is perfectly circular and is close to 20 meters (66 ft) in diameter, with a floor consisted of pillow - shaped pavers of yellow diatomite . It appears that a center line of black limestone blocks runs on its architectural east - west axis . Walls of the plaza were constructed of cut stone, principally granite, laid in courses of varying width . The two broadest courses were carved in arcs closest to the western staircase and in two pairs of terminal stones flanking the eastern staircase . </P> <P> The "Old Temple", dating from the early site's history, was an inward - facing structure composed primarily of passageways built around a circular courtyard . The structure contained obelisks and stone monuments with relief carvings depicting jaguars, caimans, and other forms with anthropomorphic features . The Lanzón Gallery, located at the very center, contained a sculpture of the Lanzón, which is assumed to be a supreme deity of Chavín de Huántar . The figure is anthropomorphic, with a feline head and human body . Mortars, pestles, conch - shell trumpets, and many other items have also been found . Many of these artifacts have an anthropomorphic design or decoration and are thought to be associated with Chavín rituals . </P> <P> The "New Temple", constructed between 500 and 200 BC, is also based on a gallery and plaza design and contained many relief sculptures . The Lanzon deity is also present, holding a strombus shell in the right hand while the left hand holds a Spondylus shell . </P>

Where was this stela originally placed within the complex at chavin