The role of metals in Ychsma society: A case study of Panquilma

Summary

In this paper I present a study of the role of metals at Panquilma site during the Ychsma phase (c. AD 1000-1470). Although metals were found in all three sectors at Panquilma (ceremonial, residential, and mortuary), the largest collection was from Sector 3, the burial area. Some mummy bundles were found in Sector 2, but they contain far fewer metals compared to the burial area. Similarly, very few metals were found in ritual or ceremonial contexts in Sector 1. It is widely accepted that metals are very important in Andean society. But what metals meant to the people of Panquilma still needs more research. In addition, there is no evidence that metals were produced locally, so the production area for the metals is also an important question that needs to be addressed. In this paper, I explore the role of metal at panquilma and its possible source areas by considering excavated materials from Panquilma and other contemporary Ychsma phase sites.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Consumption patterns and funerary rituals at the site of Panquilma, Lurin Valley, Peruvian Central Coast

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