Cultural Continuity and Ritual Significance: Apu Illaorco (Iscoconga) and Apu Rumitiana (Santa Apolonia) in Focus

Summary

This is an abstract from the "After the Feline Cult: Social Dynamics and Cultural Reinvention after Chavín" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This presentation unveils the findings of more than eight years of research in the Cajamarca Valley, focusing on two distinct Caxamarca sites from the Early Intermediate and Middle Horizon periods. Iscoconga or Apu Illaorco, investigated since 2017, served as a center for pottery production and pastoralism. The site boasts an abundance of pottery that defined the Caxamarca economy and local identity. Simultaneously, the presence of camelids underscores their significance in site development, as they served as vital contributors to both the production of raw materials and transportation, thereby fortifying the economy and supporting the local population. In contrast, recent archaeological excavations at Santa Apolonia Hill, Apu Rumitiana, shed light on a public/ceremonial Caxamarca center. It comprises plaza spaces with evidence of pilgrims, food and textile production areas, and funerary contexts. A multidisciplinary approach has allowed for the comparison of activities at both sites, offering insights into the social and economic processes of each. This contributes significantly to our comprehension of Caxamarca society in the Cajamarca Valley during these periods.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• After the Feline Cult: Social Dynamics and Cultural Reinvention after Chavín   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 40230.0