Ethnic interaction and settlement composition at Huacramarca

Summary

The Late Intermediate Period (LIP) is usually considered as the time of ethnic diversity in the Central Andes and representations of ethnic boundaries in maps illustrate this scenario. However, these representations offer a synchronic perspective of ethnic configuration as a consequence of their reliance on XVI Century sources. Nevertheless, Andean chronologies demonstrate that the LIP covers more than 500 years (from AD. 900 to 1450) in which several dynamic phenomena including expansion, migration, alliances, warfare and constant ethno genesis should be expected. Evidence on Huacramarca, a LIP settlement of the Yanamayo Basin, enables us to approach these dynamics. Excavations in Huacramarca revealed a settlement composed by a dozen patio groups that where built gradually following households’ growth. In one patio group, two distinct wares were recovered (Wares A and B), also corresponding to different vessels’ repertoires. XRD and XRF analyses support the distinction between wares, also revealing differences in temper and clay sources. Ware A seems to be local, while Ware B appears to be brought to the site. If Ware B was coming to the site with their owners, it might point towards migration processes and a multi-ethnic composition of Huacramarca’s population.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)   •
• Entangled Encounters in the Central Andes: Process, Outcome and Legacy

Keywords

Spatial Coverage