Book
Chavin and the origins of Andean civilization
Thames and Hudson • London • Published In 1992 • Pages:
By: Burger, Richard L..
Abstract
This book provides an excellent overview of Chavín culture. Burger begins his book by stating, 'Public architecture and other elements more fully developed in Chavín civilization first appear during the Late Preceramic, and became more numerous during the Initial Period. In fact, many of the traits that Tello believed were diagnostic of Chavín civilization are now known to be much earlier in date. Therefore, in order to trace the genesis of early Peruvian civilization it will be necessary to consider in the chapters that follow the Late Preceramic and the Initial Period, as well as the Early Horizon, before moving on to Chavín itself.' (page 11). However, only the data that pertain to Chavín were indexed for OCM (Outline of Cultural Materials) subjects. Burger describes the evironmental setting for the Peruvian coast, highlands and eastern slopes of the Andes. He then goes on to discuss the beginings of Peruvian civilization (defined as the groups of people able to construct monumental architecture) in the late Preceramic Period. The various societies on the coast and in the highlands are described, especially their public architecture, economies, art, settlement patterns, burials, and interactions (such as trade) between coastal communities and coastal and highland communities. The Inital Period and Early Horizon are described in similar detail. In his description of the Early Horizon, Burger also discusses which societies participated in the Chavín Horizon and which did not. Burger highlights the strictly Peruvian thought patterns and ways of doing things that made Chavín possible (such as the spread of the Chavín cult without the use of proselytizing missionaries). The fall of Chavín is explored along with the changes that entailed. It is suggested that since Chavín was not a strong centralized state it could not maintain long-term stability. The reader should be aware that the end notes were not indexed for OCM subjects. All OCM subjects for the various end notes were added to the appropriate paragraphs in the main text of the book. The paragraphs are hyperlinked to the end notes.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2004
- Region
- South America
- Sub Region
- Central Andes
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Sarah Berry ; 2003
- Field Date
- 1970s and 1980s
- Coverage Date
- Late Initial - Early Horizon
- Coverage Place
- Peru
- Notes
- Richard L. Burger
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 238-244) and index
- LCCN
- 92080337
- LCSH
- Chavín culture