Book

Caballo muerto: a complex of early ceramic sites in the Moche Valley, Peru

Xerox university microfilmsAnn Arbor, Mich. • Published In 2012 • Pages:

By: Pozorski, Thomas George.

Abstract
This dissertation is an exploration of monuments at Caballo Muerto in the Moche Valley, comparing them with others from sites throughout the rivers valleys of the north coast—including discussion of the symbiotic relationship between coastal and inland sites—and with the site of Chavín de Huantar in the highlands of Peru. Structures described for Caballo Muerto are Huaca de Los Reyes, Huaca Cortada, Huaca Curaca, Huaca Herederos Chica, Huaca Herederos Grande, and Hall of the Niches, and an ancient road. Additional monuments in the complex date to after the Initial period. Excavations were undertaken at many in order to clarify their construction sequence and absolute chronology. Social organization is discussed as it pertains to the labor involved in construction. Friezes found on the monuments are compared to other, contemporary friezes, with interpretation of their significance in religious observances. Some friezes were located where they could be seen by large gatherings in the plazas, while others were intended to be viewed only by smaller, more restricted groups. There is a sequence of increasingly restricted spaces as one proceeds into the monuments; additional indication of the existence of privileged elites.
Subjects
Religious and educational structures
Archaeological excavation methods
Settlement patterns
Miscellaneous facilities
Labor and leisure
Construction
Visual arts
Inter-community relations
Social relationships and groups
Organized ceremonial
tradition
Coastal Andean Early Formative
HRAF PubDate
2014
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2012
Field Date
1973-1975
Coverage Date
4000-2400 BP (2000-400 BC)
Coverage Place
coastal La Libertad and Ancash regions, Peru
Notes
by Thomas George Pozorski
UM 76-26,687
Includes bibliographical references (p. 456-473)
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1976
LCSH
Andes Region--Antiquities