From Near and Far: Application of Archaeometric Techniques to Characterize Regional and Long-Distance Interaction at the Formative Period Center of Atalla, Peru

Summary

This paper investigates the role of interregional interaction in the development of social complexity in the Central Andes during the Late Initial (c.1100-800 BC) and Early Horizon (c.800-200 BC) periods at the archaeological site of Atalla, a regional ceremonial center located in highlands of Huancavelica, Peru. Methodologically, this research integrates radiocarbon dating with stylistic, technical, and geochemical analyses of a range of materials to examine exchange and interaction on multiple scales. Formal and technical analyses of ceramic styles are compared with petrographic analyses of these ceramics, allowing the investigation to distinguish imported wares from local imitations of foreign styles. NAA and XRF analyses of obsidian flakes and tools reveal regional patterns of obsidian exchange and acquisition. The use of pXRF to verify the composition of decorative pigments illuminates temporal and spatial patterns associated with the exploitation, processing and exportation of cinnabar. The results from these combined analyses will present a more holistic understanding of regional networks and long-distance trade than the sourcing of a single material could offer. This study aims to characterize interactions with foreign communities and to explore the relationship between these interactions and the emergence of social complexity at the site of Atalla.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 18824