Book

The prehistoric occupation of Chavín de Huántar, Peru

University of California Press • 14 • Published In 1984 • Pages: xv, 403

By: Burger, Richard L., Vidal, Hilda, Asaro, Frank, Michel, Helen, Lechtman, Heather.

Abstract

This document is the revised and modified manuscript of Burger's doctoral dissertation. Described is the prehistoric occupation of Chavín de Huántar. Burger concentrates on an analysis of the ceramic remains taken from the excavation units placed around the modern town. (Previous archaeologists had based their analyses on the ceramics taken from the temples.) His detailed ceramic sequence confirms the three phases and he was able to place some of the ceramics found by the earlier researchers (and therefore from the temples where there was no stratigraphy) within his three phase scheme. The ceramics show some evidence of trade in ceramics with other sites in Peru and some designs show contact with Ecuador. Spondylus shell was also found indicating trade with Ecuador. The size and character of each phase of occupation at Chavín de Huántar is examined along with some of the activities found in the various neighborhoods during the different phases; such as a discussion about the megalithic wall which may have been used to control travel through the area along with the bridge and canal near the temples. His data shows the beginings of urbanism and class differentiation. Also covered are descriptions of the stone tools and ornaments, bone artifacts, bone tool by-products, shell artifacts, quartz crystals, fossils, and chrysocolla artifacts. Appendices by different authors cover such things as human osteology and a close examination of a gold object.

HRAF PubDate

2004

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 ; 2003

Field Date

1975 and 1976

Coverage Date

circa 3200 BP-2200 BP (circa 1200 B.C.-200 B.C.)

Coverage Place

Chavín de Huántar, Peru

Notes

by Richard L. Burger

Appendix A: Human osteological material -- Hilda Vidal / Appendix E: The source of the obsidian artifacts at Chavín de Huántar -- Richard L. Burger, Frank Asaro and Helen Michel / Appendix F: Technical examination of a gold-alloy object from Chavín de Huántar -- Heather Lechtman

Includes bibliographical references (p. 289-302)

LCCN

83001389

LCSH

Chavín culture