Primary State Formation in the Virú Valley, North Coast of Peru

Abstract

The origins of urban life and functioning states are two of the most fascinating research problems in anthropological archeology and a topic that has intrigued generations of scholars working on the Peruvian north coast. In this region, Andeanists have documented the rise of Moche as a dominant culture during the first millennium A.D., and the emergence of urban life and stately institutions at this society's principal center. Although there is a broad consensus that Moche represents an archaic state, it is still unclear whether it is an example of primary state formation or a case of a second-generation state. To document this question, archaeological excavations were recently carried out at the Gallinazo Group site in the Virú Valley. Results from a radiocarbon dating program indicate that a functioning state probably emerged in this valley during the second century B.C., possibly preceding Moche by a few centuries. These results necessarily raise question regarding the nature of state development on the north coast of Peru and, in particular, whether there was a single center of state development in this region or multiple sites where similar conditions and processes led to the parallel emergence of functioning states.state development | Andes | Gallinazo Group | radiocarbon dating

Territorial expansion and primary state formation

“…52). More recent investigations by Millaire at the Huaca Gallinazo (V-59) component of the Gallinazo Group have provided further evidence of the group's urban nature, with a total estimated population of 14,440 to 28,880, consistent with its likely role as a regional political capital (49). In addition, Millaire's excavations yielded a series of radiocarbon dates, the earliest of which has a 2-Sigma calibrated range extending from the middle of the first century B.C.…”

“…through the middle of the second century A.D (49). Overall, the picture that emerges from Virú for Gallinazo times is one of centralization at the Gallinazo Group plus the appearance of specialized subsidiary centers of administration; the data are consistent with the formation of a primary state in the early years of the Gallinazo period (48,49). There is some evidence, at this point more suggestive than definitive, that the early Virú-Gallinazo state sought to expand its territory northward to the Moche and Chicama Valleys.…”

“…In addition, Millaire's excavations yielded a series of radiocarbon dates, the earliest of which has a 2-Sigma calibrated range extending from the middle of the first century B.C. through the middle of the second century A.D (49). Overall, the picture that emerges from Virú for Gallinazo times is one of centralization at the Gallinazo Group plus the appearance of specialized subsidiary centers of administration; the data are consistent with the formation of a primary state in the early years of the Gallinazo period (48,49).…”

Statecraft and expansionary dynamics: A Virú outpost at Huaca Prieta, Chicama Valley, Peru

“…The dates from Huaca Prieta fall within the heyday of the Virú polity development, as indicated by a series of radiocarbon dates obtained from core sites in the Virú Valley (64). Excavations in residential and civic-ceremonial sectors at Huaca Gallinazo documented the founding of the city before the first century BC and its evolution until the site was abandoned, possibly as late at the seventh century AD.…”

“…By that time, the Gallinazo Group was by far the largest agglomeration of the valley (∼40 ha), boasting a densely occupied urban landscape dominated by the impressive platform mound of Huaca Gallinazo, which featured a stage-like platform fronted by a wide plaza for public gatherings (23,24). This period was a time when Virú polity leaders were clearly experimenting with state development (20,64) and were likely also engaging in expansionary dynamics, including the establishment of outposts in neighboring lands (10). Textiles.…”