Andean Aymara

Artificial cranial deformation in the pre-Columbian Andes

February 24th, 2010 · 2 Comments

The journal Child’s Nervous System has what appears to be an interesting article by Schijman on this interesting cultural phenomenon in pre-Columbine Andean culture. The article includes a picture to illustrate the “artificial deformation” of an Aymara skull from Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina). Schijman mentions the Aymara in his text only twice. He writes:
In certain pre-Columbine cultures like the [...]

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Some artefacts from the Moqueguan highlands

February 23rd, 2010 · No Comments

Below is a slideshow of some artefacts shown to me by denizens of some small villages in the Moqueguan altiplano. I have a handful more, but these are the ones which Charles Stanish, an expert in Andean archaeology, has kindly identified (see captions).
The ominpresence of history in these remote locations is something fascinating and unique. [...]

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Stress indicators in ancient Peruvians

December 18th, 2009 · No Comments

A new study entitled “Assessing individual systemic stress through cortisol analysis of archaeological hair” published with researchers mainly from The University of Western Ontario may shed some light on life among ancient Peruvians by looking at systemic cortisol levels in archaeological hair. I am still in Peru and so cannot access ScienceDirect, but if you [...]

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Andean news roundup

April 15th, 2009 · No Comments

Many cave paintings were rediscovered by Peruvian archaeologist Olivera in the Toquepala caves of the Western Andes in Utcubamba province. [link]
Pre-Incan cemetary and citadel found in the Bagua Grande region. Also found:  circular stone dwellings, a variety of tools. [link]
Kichua and Arbela indigenous communities block river traffic on Curacay and Napo Rivers on April 12 [...]

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Preserving Chan Chan

February 9th, 2009 · No Comments

According to a story in the Peruvian Times, archaeolgists are hard at work in Chan Chan:
“A team of 500 archaeologists and workers has restored 2.5 kilometers of 12 meter-high walls in the city of Chan Chan - America’s largest pre-Hispanic mud-brick settlement - after rains in Peru’s normally arid northern coast caused ancient walls to [...]

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Pre-Inca ruins destroyed, damaged

February 2nd, 2009 · Comments Off

A shoot-out between squatters and police in the Pomac forest in Batán Grande resulted in the destruction or damage of roughly 400 pre-Inca ruins. 
Photos of sights in the forest itself can be seen here.

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Nazca lines: damaged

January 23rd, 2009 · No Comments

Bad news for an amazing place:
“Heavy rains have damaged Peru’s famed Nazca lines, a top tourist attraction and one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries, reported daily Peru21 on Tuesday.”
PeruvianTimes
Lluvias afectaron ‘La Mano’ en Nasca
“En algunas partes de los dedos de dicha figura se ve una capa arcillosa causada por las precipitaciones. El arqueólogo residente [...]

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Peru vs. Yale: Round II

September 8th, 2008 · No Comments

The Yale Daily News reports Wednesday that a third round of talks which took place last week between Peruvian delegates and Yale officials to determine the future of archaeological artifacts taken from Machu Picchu by American historian Hiram Bingham nearly a century ago did not reach any resolution. In fact, both sides seem more intent on [...]

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Archaeological team uncovers pre-Inca tombs in Colca Canyon

September 3rd, 2008 · No Comments

Peruvian, Polish and American scientists have discovered what they believed to be pre-Inca tombs and archeological remains during a 10-day expedition to a never-before-explored area of Peru’s Colca Canyon

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‘Lady of the Mask’ mummy unearthed in first intact Huari tomb in Lima

August 28th, 2008 · No Comments

La Señora de la Máscara: La primera tumba wari hallada intacta en la huaca Pucllana

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