Religion and power in the Middle Horizon: Castillo de Huarmey imagery and styles

Summary

The idea that diffusion of a proselytizing religion is one of the main factors that generated the horizon effect follows the research on Wari and Tiwanaku phenomena since its inception. The seminal works of Dorothy Menzel have also convinced generations of scholars about the alleged relationship of these phenomena with the Wari empire ideology and on the particular role that the sanctuary of Pachacamac fulfilled in this process. The analysis of rich ceramic and textiles from Castillo de Huarmey, the necropolis of high Wari elite and administrative center on the northern coast of Peru, built in the second half of the Middle Horizon (AD 800?-1000), contrary to expectations, does not offer any arguments to support this hypothesis. Despite the large number of fragments and whole pieces relating to probable local imitations of southern styles from the Wari nuclear area, the presence of characters and details typical for the iconography of Conchopata and Wari - the staff gods and winged characters - is rare in the elite funerary grave goods, with the exception for some textile and wooden objects, that were possibly imported. Very similar situation can be observed in Pachacamac funerary contexts and in post-Lima culture offerings.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Multidisciplinary Research at Castillo de Huarmey, Peru   •
• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 16000