Book “Peruvian polygonal masonry: how, who, when and what for”

For those who are interested in the topic of polygonal masonry. The book “Peruvian polygonal masonry: how, who, when and what for” (R. V. Lapshin, 148 pp., Publishing Solutions, Moscow, 2025, ISBN 978-5-0067-0769-6) has been published.

The book can be ordered in paper form (print on demand within 96 hours) and also downloaded in electronic form (black and white illustrations) on the Ridero website. The e-book with color illustrations is distributed by the Litres platform.

 

Abstract

The monograph covers the problem of reproduction of the most complicated for implementation type of a polygonal masonry existing in Peru using simplest means. This masonry type consists of large stone blocks weighing from several hundred kilograms to several tons fitted almost without a gap between complicated curved surfaces over a large area. The proposed methods are based on the use of a reduced clay model, 3D-pantograph, topography translator and replicas.

The Fortress Sacsayhuaman has been identified as a survived to our time example of early star fortresses. The polygonal structures in Peru, the polygonal Face Towers and polygonal bas-reliefs in Cambodia, the symmetrical and geometrically similar statues of pharaohs in Egypt are based on the alike construction technologies, working methods, tools and technical contrivances. All these monuments were created by people belonging to the same European group (guild) of architects, sculptors, builders and could not have appeared earlier than the 17th century – the time of invention of a 2D-pantograph. Besides the technical and processing aspects related to the polygonal masonry, the book provides an explanation of the base of the Peruvian economy of the time of the large-scale megalithic construction prosperity on its territory, as well as the purpose of this construction.

Analysis of the “tired” stones in Ollantaytambo, the unfinished Obelisk in Aswan and the Baalbek monoliths has shown that all of these “incredibly ancient monuments” are fakes. The book explains in detail how and with what tools the unfinished Aswan Obelisk was actually formed. Analysis of the symmetry and fabrication process of the Queen Nefertiti bust has shown that the world-famous bust is a forgery. At the end of the book, a hypothesis is put forward regarding the functional purpose of the “mysterious” Sabu disk, which has been exciting the minds of Egyptologists around the world for decades.

The book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in the topic of the polygonal masonry. A general engineering education is necessary to understand some issues. The book will be useful to mechanical engineering and civil engineering students seeking to expand their horizons.

Figs. 22, photos. 87, ills. 2, refs. 148.

Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Design features of the dry polygonal masonry

1.2. Construction material used

1.3. Comparative analysis of fabrication methods, pros and cons

1.4. Historical, economic, political, civilizational and other aspects

2. Tools, contrivances and methods of fabrication of the polygonal masonry

2.1. Clay model shape transfer on a stone billet by means of a 3D-pantograph

2.2. Pantograph application for fabrication of the polygonal masonry blocks by casting

2.3. Usage of replicas

2.3.1. Replica-pancake

2.3.2. Replica of replica

2.3.3. Bunch of rods instead of the replica of replica

2.4. What else was the clay model of the object needed for?

2.5. What are the advantages of the pantograph over a replica?

2.6. Reverse approach: clay model creation by a stone billet, formation of the interface surface and its transfer on the stone billet

2.7. Several more advantages of the pantograph

2.8. Method combining elements of the replica, clay model and pantograph methods

2.8.1. Design peculiarities of the “Wall of Six Monoliths” and other structures of the temple sector in Ollantaytambo

2.9. “Planetary” pantograph for use in construction

2.10. Topography translator based on the double parallelogram mechanism

2.10.1. Topography translator design

2.10.2. Order of operation with the topography translator

2.10.3. The stone block processing sequence in the polygonal masonry by the translator

2.10.4. Specifics of the topography translator application

3. Polygonal masonry peculiarities, questions related to dating and authorship, economical grounds, “tired” stones, symmetry and similarity of some “ancient” statues

3.1. A general bulge of the front side and a swell in its lower part, bosses, bridges, cusps/steps at the triple junctions, polygonal bas-relief facing

3.2. Indirect dating by the observed destructions of the masonry elements

3.3. How to prove it? What should we look for and where?

3.4. Indirect dating by the invention time of the 2D- and 3D-pantographs

3.5. Who built this, when, what for and with what funds?

3.5.1. A few words about the role of the Vatican

3.5.2. The Monroe Doctrine

3.5.3. In the bottom line

3.6. Fortress Sacsayhuaman – the simplest star-shaped fortress

3.7. Phenomenon of the “tired” stones

3.7.1. The “tired” stones of Ollantaytambo

3.7.2. The “tired” Aswan Obelisk and the “tired” Baalbek parallelepipeds

3.8. Fabrication of symmetrical and geometrically similar statues by means of a 3D-pantograph

3.8.1. “The beautiful one has come” and is not going to leave. It is time to say: goodbye baby! Additional arguments against the authenticity of the world-famous bust

3.9. Sabu disk and the “talking” statues of the Ancient Egypt

4. Discussion

References and additional materials