Embodied Empire: Life and Death of Wari Elites from Castillo de Huarmey

Summary

The discovery of an undisturbed burial context at Castillo de Huarmey, bringing to light remains of Wari immediate elite members, finally embodied long discussed highest social levels of Wari Imperial elites. Until that time they characteristic was derived almost exclusively from indirect sources, mainly material remains of high quality material culture and architecture. Now, there is a chance to get a glimpse on their actual life stories, occupation, and to see their faces. Analysis of the burial context proves also there was an important change in the perception of female role in the society that occurred sometime during the Middle Horizon. Reconstructing lives and mortuary rites on basis of Castillo de Huarmey is also an important addition to the discussion about the Wari presence not only on the North Coast of Peru, but also to the interpretation of Wari expansion, and forming of the Empire. To see its multidimensional aspect, a comparison with other Wari provinces is necessary.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20645