Distinguished Lecture in the Art of the Ancient Americas: John Ochsendorf

Description

The Distinguished Lecture in Art of the Ancient Americas is an annual event aimed at drawing attention to the rich visual culture of Mesoamerica and the Andes. This year, John Ochsendorf, an engineer, educator, and designer on the MIT faculty, will present the lecture titled "Inka Suspension Bridges: Engineering A Pre-Industrial Construction."

This event is hosted by the Department of the History of Art in collaboration with the Embassy of Peru, Washington, D.C.

Abstract:

Inka culture relied on an extensive network of roads and bridges to connect the various regions in the high Andes. Though the road system has been studied in some detail, scholars have largely neglected the role of suspension bridges. These functional works enabled the expansion of the empire and often dictated the location of roads, tambos, and other Inka sites. The role of bridges in Andean history raises important questions and demands greater attention from historians. Due to the detailed chronicles of the construction process, suspension bridges provide a unique opportunity for understanding the organization of construction in the Inka Empire. This visual lecture draws on primary source material to identify important bridges, explore their origins, and pose questions for future research in Inka engineering. Broader lessons from the study of pre-industrial construction argue for transdisciplinary approaches to understanding the built environment.