Our research examines how changes in mortuary patterns were associated with transformations in the political and social organization between AD 200 and 1600 in the Central Andes, Peru. By applying a diachronic approach, we study, how variation in tombs is reflected in public and ceremonial architecture; if there is continuity in the use of some type of tombs, and rituals associated with the dead. Tombs were places where ayllu -based social organization materialized.