Publication Information
Author:
Aveni, Anthony F.
Title:
An assessment of previous studies of the Nazca glyphs
Published in: The lines of Nazca, edited by Anthony Aveni
Published By:
The lines of Nazca, edited by Anthony Aveni
Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, 1990.1-40 p.: ill., map
By line: A. F. Aveni
HRAF Publication Information: New Haven, Conn.:
HRAF, 2015.
Culture:
Nazca (SE51)
Subjects:
Reviews and critiques (114);
Theoretical orientation in research and its results (121);
Archaeological survey methods (129);
Visual arts (5311);
Sacred objects and places (778);
Ideas about nature and people (820);
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.]
Document Number:
7
Document ID: se51-007
Document Type:
Essay
Language:
English
Note:
For bibliographical references see document 12:Aveni (1990,
References cited…)
Field Date:
1981, 1984
Evaluation:
Archaeoastronomer-4, 5
Analyst:
Sarah Berry; 2013
Coverage Date:
2200-1500 BP (200 BC-AD 500)
Coverage Place:
"Pampa" (Nazca Lines), El Ingenio and Nazca districts, Nazca, Ica,
Peru
LCSH:
Nazca culture//Social structure--Peru--History//Nazca Lines Site (Peru)
