Ceramic production and exchange in the Chavín heartland: an archaeometric study from Canchas Uckro (1100 − 800 BCE), Ancash, Peru

Abstract

Canchas Uckro is one of several settlements surrounding the ceremonial and urban center of Chavín de Huántar (c. 1100 − 400 BCE). In this paper, we explore the relationship between these two sites through an archaeometric study of pottery production at Canchas Uckro (c. 1100 − 800 BCE). Specifically, we combine thin-section petrography and portable X-ray fluorescence to characterize technological style based on a sample of 56 sherds. Our analyses identified 12 distinct petro-groups, with most of the pottery (85% of the assemblage) reflecting two local technological styles. A small percentage of ceramic fine wares representing both geochemical and technological outliers (2–4%) point to probable interregional exchange, while a larger group of undecorated ceramics (~ 10%) suggests more frequent intraregional interactions. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that Canchas Uckro’s ceramic production was independent of Chavín de Huántar, with its inhabitants participating in distinct social and economic networks.

Bibliographic Information