Spatial patterns of raised fields and linguistic diversity in Mojos, Beni, Bolivia

Summary

Throughout Amazonia, agricultural earthworks are found in diverse geographical settings, including Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Guianas. These earthworks can be seen throughout areas of diverse linguistic and ethnic backgrounds. This suggests that dynamic, multiethnic networks can be found in Amazonia, influencing the methods of landscape modification used by different groups. Being able to observe influences of diverse cultural interactions in the archaeological record could contribute to the complex issue of defining identity within the Amazon. This poster presents a GIS spatial analysis of raised fields, earthworks found along the Yacuma and Iruyañez Rivers in the Llanos de Mojos. With this spatial analysis, an understanding of the various forms of raised fields utilized in this area of Mojos could be achieved. The goal of the spatial analysis is to distinguish patterns within raised fields found along two sets of rivers and their connection with spatial patterns of linguistic groups in the area. Patterns within these areas could help understand the history of mutiethnicity in Mojos.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage