Book

Nasca mortuary customs: death and ancient society on the south coast of Peru

UMI • Ann Arbor, Mich. • Published In 2012 • Pages:

By: Carmichael, Patrick H..

Abstract

For this dissertation, the author analyzed 213 burials from the Pisco to Acarí valleys. Maps of burial grounds and illustrations of graves and ceramic offerings are supplied where available. Age and gender, body treatment, posture and placement, tomb location and construction, and grave goods are recorded, and considered in reconstructions of possible mortuary ceremonies. Energy expenditure was calculated as another potential measure of status. It is found that grave goods varied more in kind than quantity, and there was no evident restriction in access. Exceptions include gold ornaments, large timber posts used to construct burial chambers, and miniature vessels, found in some, though not all, high status graves. Quantity and variety of textiles in increased with status, but with no evident discontinuities in distribution. It is concluded that Nazca was a ranked society without formal stratification, organized politically into independent, minimal to typical chiefdoms.

HRAF PubDate

2015

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; 2013

Field Date

1986

Coverage Date

2000-1200 BP (AD 1-800)

Coverage Place

Ica region, and Caravelí province, Arequipa region (south coast), Peru

Notes

By Patrick H. Carmichael

UM 8918465

Includes bibliographical references (p. 437-458)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Calgary

LCSH

Nazca culture