Preceramic corporate architecture: evidence for the development of non-egalitarian social systems in Peru

Feldman, Robert A.

essay

Preceramic corporate architecture: evidence for the development of non-egalitarian social systems in Peru

early ceremonial architecture in the andes : a conference at dumbarton oaks, 8th to 10th october 1982 • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1985 • Pages: 71-92

By: Feldman, Robert A..

Abstract
Feldman describes the excavations at two mounds at Aspero: Huaca de los Idolos and Huaca de los Sacrificios. A looters’ trench was cleaned at a third mound, Huaca Alta. The excavations show the mounds were composed of successive building phases, were not simply earthen platforms supporting structures at the top, had special architectural decoration not found in domestic structures, did not contain domestic refuse, contained dedicatory caches or sacrifices that were laid down just prior to new construction, and showed a pattern of graduated restrictions of access with the smaller rooms found farther into the structure at the top. A case is made for Aspero being a group-oriented chiefdom based on the corporate labor involved in building the mounds and the presence of luxury trade items. Also, a comparison is made between coastal mounds and highland temple structures.

Religious and educational structures

Settlement patterns

Archaeological excavation methods

Labor relations

Labor supply and employment

General character of religion

Religious experience

Building interiors and arrangement

Prayers and sacrifices

Coastal Andean Archaic

HRAF PubDate

2014