Chan Chan's Guardian: The Adobe Maker Preserving the World's Largest Mud-Brick City for 15 Years

In the northern coastal region of Peru lies Chan Chan, the largest mud-brick city on Earth. Here, a traditional adobe maker has become essential to preserving one of America's most significant archaeological treasures.

Arturo Rafael Gerónimo Valiente has dedicated the last 15 years to his craft as an adobe maker within the complex. He handcrafts the bricks needed to restore and protect the ancient structures of the Chimú kingdom. His journey began in childhood, learning the trade at an artisanal brickyard where he mastered identifying soil types, preparing the right mixture, and traditional adobe production.

Valiente's path to Chan Chan was unexpected. About 15 years ago, a friend informed him about a job opening for experienced adobe makers to assist with conservation efforts at the archaeological site. He applied and was selected for a restoration project. However, working at Chan Chan presented a new challenge: adapting his traditional construction knowledge to the strict criteria required for historical heritage conservation.

His task goes beyond simple brick manufacturing. Each adobe must closely resemble those used by the ancient Chimú builders centuries ago. This requires careful selection of earth, precise mixing of mud and water, and adherence to natural drying times. The goal is to ensure the new pieces protect the original structures without altering their composition. These meticulously crafted adobes reinforce walls weakened by moisture, wind, rain, and the natural wear of time, safeguarding this vital piece of history.