essay

The Chimú empire in a regional perspective: cultural antecedents and continuities

chan chan: andean desert cityAlbuquerque • Published In 2010 • Pages: 197-224

By: Keatinge, Richard W..

Abstract
This is a description of administrative centers found in the Moche Valley and their importance to the Chimu socioeconomic system. Two sites, Farfán and Pacatnamú, were surveyed and mapped. Farfán has several compounds similar to ones found at Chan Chan, one with a burial platform, storerooms, and [i]audiencias[/i]—indications it was an imperial administrative center in the newly conquered territory of Jequetepeque. It is proposed that Farfán was an outpost founded by a legendary Chimu general named Pacatnamú. The site known as Pacatnamú, which incorporates the Moche-Chimu transition, is compared to the central coast pilgrimage site of Pachacamac. [i]Audiencias[/i] are interpreted as fulfilling different purposes in different areas; at Pacatnamú the purpose might have been religious and, analogous to Mesopotamian examples, Chimu temple structures also could have served as storehouses and administrative centers.
Subjects
Miscellaneous facilities
Public structures
Religious and educational structures
Cultural participation
Archaeological survey methods
Dependencies
Sacred objects and places
Ritual
tradition
Chimu
HRAF PubDate
2015
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2014
Field Date
1974
Coverage Date
1800-524 BP (AD 200-1476)
Coverage Place
north-central coastal La Libertad region (Moche and Jequetepeque valleys), Peru
Notes
Richard W. Keatinge
For bibliographical references see document 18:[Moseley and Day] (2010, References)
Reprint of 1982 copy
LCCN
80054567
LCSH
Chanchán (Peru)