The Chakana is an Andean symbol, the word is derived from the
Quechua word "to cross". The significance of this icon is deeply
imbedded within the Incan culture in the three tiered system as they
lived it; as a social community and within their sacred and imperial
practices. The Crux constellation contains the most important stars to
the Incans and are represented by the Chakana. The central circle
represents the "navel of the Incan Empire" as well as the circle of
life. The three steps on each diagonal represent the three worlds
within the Incan cosmology; the overwold, this world and the
underworld.
