Understanding Animal-Human Interactions during the LIP in the Central Coast of Peru

Summary

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

In recent decades, zooarchaeological studies have been increasing in South America. Nevertheless, combining the methods used to understand some questions related to animal and human interactions in ancient Peru seems crucial. In this paper, we will present the first results of an ongoing multidisciplinary project focused on the central coast of Peru during the Late Intermediate Period. A study of the faunal material found at Pachacamac by the Ychsma Project (ULB) shows a distinct use of domestic and wild animals in diet and ritual. The disciplines (archaeology, zooarchaeology, ethnohistory) used so far are insufficient to understand this in greater depth. Hence, iconography and myths are useful in approaching discoveries from new points of view. In the first case, we analysed the animals represented, their frequency and any associations with other animals/elements. Initial results from the iconography of textiles show that wild animals are more frequently represented. In the case of the myths, we also found a greater presence of wild animals as the main protagonists. Finally, we feel it is necessary to provide a theoretical framework for this research to detach ourselves from a modern European vision and consider the multiple visions/practices of interactions between animals and humans.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39931.0