The Fortaleza Valley, Peru: archaeological investigation of Late Archaic sites (3000–1800 BC)

Creamer, Winifred; Perales Munguía, Manuel Fernando; Ruiz Rubio, Alvaro A.; Haas, Jonathan

article

The Fortaleza Valley, Peru: archaeological investigation of Late Archaic sites (3000–1800 BC)

Fieldiana Anthropology • (44) • Published In 2013 • Pages: 1-108

By: Creamer, Winifred, Perales Munguía, Manuel Fernando, Ruiz Rubio, Alvaro A., Haas, Jonathan.

Abstract
Test excavations were made at six sites in the Fortaleza Valley with monumental architecture, but without ceramics, in the hope of finding sites dating to the Late Archaic Period. Considerable damage has been done to the sites by looting and modern occupation. Radiocarbon dates were mainly taken from plant remains. The sites tested were occupied between 5000-3800 BP and indicate that, among the four valleys of the Norte Chico region, there was a pristine emergence of a cultural complex that included over thirty sites with monumental architecture of large mounds associated with sunken circular plazas, shicra bag construction, and, occasionally, upright stelae. The sites also had residential debris and, some include special areas for production of woven goods. The work reveals that U-shaped site layouts originated in the Late Archaic. Such sites exhibit large labor investment to build, including creating retaining walls, weaving shicras to hold and transport fill, digging circular courts, plastering walls and floors with clay, and almost continuous remodeling. The social, political, and economic relationship between the valleys of the Norte Chico region is yet to be determined, as is the contemporaneity of the various sites. The authors find no evidence that all the valleys were under political leadership centered at the site of Caral.

Archaeological excavation methods

Dating methods in archaeology

Chronologies and culture sequences

Recording and collecting in the field

Public structures

Miscellaneous facilities

Cultural stratigraphy

Settlement patterns

Labor and leisure

Coastal Andean Archaic

HRAF PubDate

2014