Northern Exposures: Recuay-Cajamarca Boundaries and Interaction

Abstract

This study aims to provide a trial characterization of boundary maintenance in the Recuay tradition of the Early Intermediate Period, ca. AD 1-700 (all age ranges are cited using cal AD dates as per Lau 2002Lau -2004. By boundary maintenance, I mean the process of ascribing and communicating socio-cultural difference (Barth 1969). The process has been researched at different scales, from kin groups to communities to nations (

An examination of Recuay kaolin pottery production and exchange through petrography and LA‐ICP‐MS (100–700 CE; Ancash, Peru)

“…The material culture styles at and around Pashash and Yayno (northern area) and Huaraz and Katak (southern area) are sufficiently different to suggest largely coeval but independent crafting groups. This includes stone scupltures (Schaedel, 1952), stonemasonry and layouts in monumental architecture (Grieder, 1978), and pottery (Grávalos, 2021; Lau, 2011). Grieder (1978, pp.…”

“…During the Early Intermediate Period (EIP), Recuay communities (c. 100-700 CE) established diverse settlements across the Ancash region in Peru's north highlands. Recuay politics, economy, and social life centered largely on kinship ties (Bria, 2017;Gero, 1991;Lau, 2011) and nascent Recuay communities engaged this new social world by developing novel monuments and artistic media. Antecedent peoples created elaborate temple centers (e.g., Chavín de Hu antar) (Burger, 2008), but the Recuay are notable for building subterranean tombs and mausolea in and near their villages for the purposes of ancestor veneration and religious practice (Lau, 2002(Lau, , 2016.…”

“…Moreover, it is unclear whether Recuay communities exchanged valued kaolin vessels to negotiate political relationships. Studies have previously identified shared iconography and styles on pottery, stone sculpture, and metalwork across highland Ancash during the EIP (Lau, 2011). Simultaneously, there is minimal evidence for the exchange of prestige goods (e.g., obsidian, Spondylus ), particularly when compared to the strong interaction networks of previous and subsequent periods (e.g., Burger et al, 2006; Lau, 2017).…”

“…Many Recuay ceramic studies have focused on design style and iconography (e.g., Amat Olazábal, 2004; Reichert, 1977; Smith, 1978; Wegner, 2004), which is eclectic and not easily typed. Such studies indicate that kaolinite ceramics were not mold‐made and are heterogeneous in vessel shape, size, thickness, surface treatment, and painted/modeled imagery (for pottery variability, see Lau, 2011, pp. 127–157).…”