essay

An assessment of previous studies of the Nazca glyphs

lines of nazca • 183 • Published In 1990 • Pages: 1-40

By: Aveni, Anthony F..

Abstract

The author describes the Nazca lines or geoglyphs, how they were created, their variety, and the line centers. Past research and previous hypotheses about why the lines were created are assessed systematically and in detail, including: as a calendar; to mark astronomical or celestial phenomena; as an intellectual exercise in geometry; for denoting the use of water (especially the line centers); as ceremonial pathways; and purely as works of art. It is urged that the lines be regarded from a culturally Andean perspective, and that multiple purposes are likely. Peak construction is given to be during Nazca phases 3-4, circa 100 BC-AD 100 in the employed chronology. [Note: In addition to the outmoded chronology, the reader is also cautioned that figures were incorrectly labeled in the original; e.g. on page 5 the reference to Fig. 2 should have been to Fig. 1.2a.]

HRAF PubDate

2015

Region

South America

Sub Region

Central Andes

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeoastronomer

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry; 2013

Field Date

1981, 1984

Coverage Date

2200-1500 BP (200 BC-AD 500)

Coverage Place

"Pampa" (Nazca Lines), El Ingenio and Nazca districts, Nazca, Ica, Peru

Notes

A. F. Aveni

For bibliographical references see document 12:Aveni (1990, References cited…)

LCCN

89084667

LCSH

Nazca culture

Social structure--Peru--History

Nazca Lines Site (Peru)