essay

Order in the Nazca lines

lines of nazca183 • Published In 1990 • Pages: 41-113

By: Aveni, Anthony F..

Abstract
Unlike most previous researchers, the author entertains the idea that the Nazca lines may have been created at different times for different reasons. Overlapping geoglyphs are clear evidence of sequential, not simultaneous, construction. There are three classes of lines: biomorphic, geometric, and straight. Straight lines are the most common, and the focus of this study. Contour maps of line centers and their lines were made, and termination points found. The Inka [i]ceque[/i] system centered on Cuzco is presented as a close historical analogy. Conclusions about the lines include that: they were intended for people to move along; most can be associated with the flow of water across the plain; the majority do not have any astronomical orientations; they did not require much effort to create; and they were probably used in rituals related to agriculture and the bringing of water.
Subjects
Recording and collecting in the field
Archaeological survey methods
Comparative evidence
Visual arts
Sacred objects and places
Ritual
tradition
Nazca
HRAF PubDate
2015
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeoastronomer
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2013
Field Date
1980-1984
Coverage Date
2200-1500 BP (200 BC-AD 500)
Coverage Place
"Pampa" (Nazca Lines), El Ingenio and Nazca districts, Nazca, Ica, Peru
Notes
A. F. Aveni
For bibliographical references see document 12:Aveni (1990, References cited…)
LCCN
89084667
LCSH
Nazca culture
Social structure--Peru--History
Nazca Lines Site (Peru)