<P> Some other iconography found in Chavín art continues to give a glimpse as to what the culture was like, such as the general evidence of the use of psycho - active plants in ritual . The San Pedro Cactus is often seen on various art forms, sometimes being held by humans, which is used as evidence to support the use of the plant . </P> <P> A general study of the coastal Chavín pottery with respect to shape reveals two kinds of vessels: a polyhedral carved type and a globular painted type . Stylistically, Chavín art forms make extensive use of the technique of contour rivalry . The art is intentionally difficult to interpret and understand, since it was intended only to be read by high priests of the Chavín cult, who could understand the intricately complex and sacred designs . The Raimondi Stele is one of the major examples of this technique . Ceramics, however, do not appear to represent the same stylistic features that are found on sculptures . </P> <P> Chavín art decorates the walls of the temple and includes carvings, sculptures and pottery . Artists depicted exotic creatures found in other regions, such as jaguars and eagles, rather than local plants and animals . The feline figure is one of the most important motifs seen in Chavín art . It has an important religious meaning and is repeated on many carvings and sculptures . Eagles are also commonly seen throughout Chavín art . There are three important artifacts which are the major examples of Chavín art . These artifacts are the Tello Obelisk, tenon heads, and the Lanzón . </P> <P> Tello Obelisk is a vertical, rectangular shaft with a step - like notch at the top . The obelisk is carved in relief on all four sides and consists of two representations of a single - type creature . The head, body and tail occupy one or the other broad sides, while the legs, genitalia and other subsidiary elements occupy the narrow sides . These creatures have been interpreted as a "cat - dragon" type of creature (by Tello) and as a cayman (by Rowe and Lathrop). The large artifact may portray a creation myth . </P>

The south american chavin culture depicts images of