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
This document is a review of some of the changes that occurred to the polities in the Casma Valley from the Late Preceramic into the Early Intermediate Period; only data pertaining to the Late Formative, or Early Horizon/Early Period, are relevant to this collection. During the late Initial Period, Sechín Alto dominated, and shortly before the start of the Early Horizon it is proposed that the valley was invaded by a militaristic state society from the highlands. Monument construction at Las Haldas, Taukachi-Konkan, and Sechín Bajo halted, and the sites do not have noticeable midden accumulation from this period. Several sites were re-occupied and, as if in desecration, domestic structures erected atop temples. Stone was taken from existing structures to build new shelters. There were changes in artifact assemblages and subsistence patterns, and new settlements arose with distinctive architecture and site layout (e.g. Pampa Rosario and San Diego). The invasion theory is bolstered by the style and themes of the friezes of Cerro Sechín. Comparative information is supplied for other north coast valleys.

Sociocultural trends

Acculturation and culture contact

Settlement patterns

Miscellaneous facilities

Warfare

Visual arts

Territorial hierarchy

Religious and educational structures

Sacred objects and places

Coastal Andean Late Formative

HRAF PubDate

2015