The Chavín Culture was an ancient civilization that thrived in the highlands of present-day Peru from around 900 to 200 BCE. Known for its impressive architectural sites, the most famous is the Chavín de Huantar temple complex, which features intricate stone carvings and a sophisticated drainage system. The culture is recognized for its unique artistic style, which often included motifs of animals and supernatural beings. Chavín society was influential in the development of later Andean cultures, serving as a religious and cultural center. The people practiced agriculture and were skilled in metallurgy, creating tools and decorative items from copper and gold. Their religious practices involved shamanistic rituals, often using hallucinogenic plants to connect with the spiritual world.