Andean Early Intr per&Middle

Catalog description

This class is intended for advanced students with background in archaeology, and Andean prehistory. It undertakes a specialized examination of the archaeology of the Early Intermediate Period (200 BC-AD 650) and Middle Horizon (AD 650-1000) of Central Andean Peru-Bolivia. This crucial time, the onset of the Andean Bronze Age, witnessed the rise of great religions, spectacular art and public works, the first state governments and Andean empire, the emergence of urban life, the triumph of powerful rulers, and many other key cultural developments. However, this millennium-plus is completely without written records so our knowledge depends entirely on the study of archaeological remains, from iconography to households and tombs to temples. Classes examine the art, architecture and artifacts as directly as possible, employing large numbers of photographs, maps and drawings, while reading and evaluating descriptive and interpretive texts. Students explore individual topics. Cultures on which we focus include Paracas, Nasca, Pucara, Moche, Lima, Recuay, Tiwanaku, Wari, and several less popularly-known archaeological styles/cultures of the Andean Early Intermediate and Middle Horizon. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission.