Localized Formative Traditions in the Upper Nepeña River Valley, Ancash, Peru: The 2015 Excavations at the Cosma Archaeological Complex

Summary

This paper will explore the development and use of a localized ceremonial complex at the base of the Cordillera Negra Mountains, in coastal Ancash. Located at the headwaters of the Nepeña River valley at an elevation of 2650 masl, the Cosma Archaeological Complex shows a repeated occupation from the Pre-Ceramic through Late Horizon. This paper will cover the chronology and ritual use of the two main ceremonial mounds: Karecoto, and Acshipucoto, which date from the Pre-Ceramic through Final Formative. Not surprisingly, based on its location, Cosma shares elements of coastal and highland influence through its architectural components, ceramics, and other trade items. Excavations during the 2014 and 2015 season revealed a tradition of circular walls associated with the burning of animal bones, as well as a final capping of the Karecoto mound with infant interments during the Final Formative. Focusing on chronology, construction, and the ritual use of the mounds, this paper will cover the preliminary findings from the 2014 and 2015 field seasons.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Social Complexity in the Central Andean Region: Current Research on the Initial Period and Early Horizon - Part 1

Keywords

Spatial Coverage