Nested-Context Perspective of Craft Production: Middle Sicán Metallurgy

Summary

Different facets and stages of craft production commonly occur in different spatial loci regardless of differences in medium, technology, intensity and/or scale. Locational differences may be relatively minor with different facets or production stages being practiced concurrently, or masters and apprentices occupying different areas of a given room or workshop. While sheet metal preparation and alloying both require constant heat sources, the former requires a clean area protected from winds and dust. Locational differences can also be major, involving different settlements as with the case of primary smelting and subsequent metalworking; the former being heavily influenced by natural/material factors and close to ore and fuel sources and reliable winds. The latter is much more dependent on social/human factors such as the nature of artisans involved and intended use and users of products. Accordingly, clarification of spatial dimensions of craft production requires what I call nested-context approach and an accompanying multi-scalar and dynamic, processual perspective. Based on data garnered over nearly four decades of holistic research on the Sicán metallurgy, this paper will illustrate how the approach and perspective can be applied for valuable understanding of the spatial dimensions of this complex craft.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Spatial Approaches to Craft Production

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 14504