Prehistoric settlement patterns in the Chillon River Valley, Peru.

Abstract

This dissertation deals with a settlement pattern survey carried out in the Chillon River Valley, central coast of Peru, between 1987 and 1989. The general goal of the 1987-1989 field season was to outline the use of space and development of society in the Chillon River Valley from its first settlers to the arrival of the Spaniards in A.D. 1532. Therefore, a regional settlement pattern survey was pursued along the river. Although excavations were not intended, I conducted test pits in the middle valley site of Pucara (PV46-949a) in 1992. This dissertation describes the results of this research, emphasizing on (a) settlement types and their distribution throughout the river; (b) the course of cultural evolution and change from Preceramic to Inka times; (c) the role of the Chillon River Valley in the Peruvian central coast; (d) definition of specific research topics to be examined in the future. The 1987-1989 fieldwork extended over 130 km long and ranged from the Pacific Ocean to the town of Cullhuay, at 4000 m. 217 settlements were found and assigned to different periods from the Preceramic (8000 B.C.) to Late Horizon Periods (A.D. 1533). Except for the Middle Horizon Period (A.D. 550-1000), the Chillon Valley was densely populated through time, peaking in the Late Intermediate Period (A.D. 1000-1476). During this period there were two strong senorios: the Collique in the lower section, and the Canta in the middle and upper sections of the valley. A remarkable aspect of this period was the occurrence of hill-top fortified settlements suggesting that conflict was common between these groups. The data collected also suggest that the Inka empire controlled the valley entirely through regularly spaced outposts along the valley. Although documentary evidence implies that ceremonial coca leaves were important for the Inkas, the valley was also attractive for the food and other goods that supplied the Inka center of Pachacamac and others located along the royal road on the central coast.