Monumental Architecture on the South Summit of Cerro Tajahuana, Ica Valley, Peru

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Proyecto de Investigación Arqueologica Tajahuana conducted excavations at two unique buildings located on the south summit of the Paracas site of Cerro Tajahuana in the Ica Valley, Peru. The larger of the structures, often referred to as a fortress, was built along the edge of a steep ravine above two large groups of figurative geoglyphs and isolated figures corresponding to the Late Paracas-Initial Nasca occupation of the site. Excavations do not support a defensive interpretation for the buildings. A distinctive pattern of closed architecture that includes walled patios and exterior spaces, interior rooms with tall walls connected by stairways and ramps was identified. It contrasts with the open, stepped platform mounds and plazas present on the north summit. The unusual configuration of these buildings and corresponding artifact assemblages suggests their use in private, closed rituals. Close proximity to large areas of complex figurative geoglyphs reinforces a ceremonial interpretation for the structures. AMS dates and associated pottery collections suggest they were in use between 500 and 200 BC, a period spanning the Middle and Late Paracas phases.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 38154.0