Theocracy vs. militarism: the significance of the Casma Valley in understanding early state formation

Pozorski, Shelia Griffis

essay

Theocracy vs. militarism: the significance of the Casma Valley in understanding early state formation

origins and development of the andean state • Cambridge [Cambridgeshire] • Published In 1987 • Pages: 15-30

By: Pozorski, Shelia Griffis.

Abstract
Pozorski describes some of the changes that occurred among the polities of the Casma Valley on north coast of Peru, from the Late Preceramic through Early Intermediate periods (only data pertaining to the Early Formative/Initial period are indexed for content). The early Initial period monumental sites of Pampa de las Llamas-Moxeke, Tortugas, and Las Haldas are described. First two probably exchanged craft and food items, while the latter appears to have been less strongly affiliated as its ceramics and textiles are not similar. The late Initial period monumental sites of Sechín Alto, Sechín Bajo, Las Haldas, and Taukachi-Konkan are also described. There was a time when the valley had two coexisting polities, but by the late Initial period Sechín Alto dominated. Shortly before the beginning of the Early Horizon the valley was invaded by a militaristic state society from the highlands, bringing many changes. Monuments at Las Haldas, Taukachi-Konkan, and Sechín Bajo were left unfinished and these sites do not have noticeable midden accumulation from this period. There is brief coverage of developments in other coastal valleys.

Historical reconstruction

Acculturation and culture contact

Sociocultural trends

Cultural participation

Settlement patterns

Miscellaneous facilities

Religious and educational structures

Inter-community relations

Territorial hierarchy

Coastal Andean Early Formative

HRAF PubDate

2014