Variability in northern and southern Preceramic lomas sites of coastal Peru

Summary

Lomas formations in coastal Peru form when moisture off the Pacific Ocean condenses on hill slopes that rise between approximately 400-800 masl. These formations are distributed over broad regions in the southern part of Peru, but become more dispersed as one moves north. Depending on their extent, lomas formations can support a broad range of plant and animal life. As a major resource zone prior to the advent of agriculture, lomas were exploited by hunters and gatherers throughout this period all along the coast. Yet, the tool assemblages that are found near lomas formations in the northern part of Peru are different from those in the south. Given the general similarity in comestible plants and animals in both regions, the variation in assemblages requires explanation. This paper will review the evidence from different sites and regions to draw conclusions as to the reasons for the variation. Explanations suggested are cultural rather than environmental, but temporal factors may have played a role.

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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