THE CHAKANA

“These pendants are crafted in 950 silver, which is purer than traditional 925 silver. Its brilliance and durability make it an ideal setting to enhance the energy of fine stones.”

The Andean Cross — A Bridge Between Earth and Sky

The Chakana, also known as the Andean Cross or “Inca Cross,” is a sacred symbol of the Andean cosmovision. It embodies the dynamic relationship between the universe and the life it contains, connecting humans, nature, and the divine through meaningful sacred geometry.

In Quechua, the word chakay means “to cross,” “passage,” or “bridge.” And this is precisely what the Chakana represents: a bridge between worlds, an axis of communication linking the underworld, the Earth, and the heavens. The central hole, representing the axis mundi, is perceived as the pillar of the world — the meeting point between humanity and the universe.

A Symbol Rich With Universal Meaning

The shape of the Chakana — a stepped cross with four arms, each featuring three steps — expresses a holistic vision of time, space, and universal balance. Each quadrant of the cross carries a fundamental teaching:

The Three Worlds of the Andean Cosmovision

Uqhu Pacha: the lower world, associated with the underground realm and death.
Kay Pacha: the middle world, that of human and earthly life.
Hanan Pacha: the upper world, realm of the stars, celestial beings, and gods.

The Sacred Animals

These archetypes are spiritual guides associated with each world:

• The condor, messenger of the heavens and the spirits.

• The puma, symbol of courage and inner strength.

• The serpent, guardian of healing and transformation.

The Three Inca Principles of Life

Llankay: right action, work, and mastery of the body.
Munay: unconditional love and kindness of the heart.
Yachay: wisdom and profound knowledge.

Universal Human Principles

Love and goodness.
Knowledge.
Work.

The Chakana and the Inca Empire

The four arms of the cross represent the four provinces of the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu):

• Chinchaysuyo,

• Kollasuyo,

• Antisuyo,

• Contisuyo.

Its ends are also associated with the four main stars of the Southern Cross constellation, which the Incas viewed as the center of the universe and a vital celestial marker.

The Chakana in Artisanal Craftsmanship

Artisans from the Cuzco region still craft stone Chakanas today, adorned with sodalite, mother-of-pearl, spondylus, and turquoise. These inlays, created using the cloisonné technique and separated by fine layers of silver, blend ancestral tradition with contemporary beauty.

A Tool for Meditation and Spiritual Elevation

Used in meditation or spiritual teaching, the Chakana promotes mental balance and opens the way to a deeper understanding of multiple levels of consciousness. It is both symbol, guide, and portal — reminding each person of their place within the cosmos and the need to harmonize love, wisdom, and right action.

A symbol of universal unity, the Chakana invites us to walk the sacred bridge that connects Earth to Sky, ancestors to future generations, and humanity to infinity.