Libro-Caral-Supe-2005-Ingles.Pdf

Graphic informative: Marisol Zumaeta

Graphic design assistant: Martha Rodríguez

Graphic adaptation: Marco Chacón

Reconstruction in 3D: Chstian Magallanes

Illustrations: Iván Moratillo Andrade

Map: Glory Alarco

Photos: Sergio Anchi, Jimmy Morales

Archaeological excavation: Jorge Aching, George Chauca, Aldemar Crispín, Oliver Huamán, Marco Machacuay, Luis Miranda, David Palomino, Carlos Robles, Gonzalo Rodríguez, Rulfer Vicente.

Archaeological material processins: Pedro Novoa, Gloria Quispe, Óscar Portocarrero, Manuel Gorriti, Dolores Buitrón, Liliana Tapia, Jimmy Morales, Magaly Pinedo.

Invited investigators: Guido Lombardi, Alberto Castro, Amparo Jara.

The Caral-Supe Civilization: 5000 years of Cultural Identy in Peru

First edition in English, 2005.

ISBN: 9972-9738-4-0 Hecho el depósito legal en la Biblioteca Nacional del Perú: 2005-5289

Printed in Peru.

31 The Caral-Supe Civilization 5,000 years of Cultural Identity in Peru

Ruth Shady Solís

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE CULTURA Proyecto Especial Arqueológico Caral-Supe Contens

Introduction 5

Caral-Supe in World History 6

The North-Central Area 8

The Supe Valley and 18 contemporary settlements 10

Central Zone of Caral 12

Economic organization 14

Products identified where they came from 16

Handricraft production 20

Political organization 22

Social stratification and hierarchies 24

Science: measurements and medicine 26

Science and technology 28

The Sacred City of Caral 30

Architectural components 32

Pyramidal public buildings 34

Housing 36

World view and ideology 38

Myths, ceremonies, rites and offerings 40

Multiple offerings 42

Human figurines and modes of attire 44

Human sacrifice in the Greater Temple 46

Geographic location 48

3 Contens

Introduction 5

Caral-Supe in World History 6

The North-Central Area 8

The Supe Valley and 18 contemporary settlements 10

Central Zone of Caral 12

Economic organization 14

Products identified where they came from 16

Handricraft production 20

Political organization 22

Social stratification and hierarchies 24

Science: measurements and medicine 26

Science and technology 28

The Sacred City of Caral 30

Architectural components 32

Pyramidal public buildings 34

Housing 36

World view and ideology 38

Myths, ceremonies, rites and offerings 40

Multiple offerings 42

Human figurines and modes of attire 44

Human sacrifice in the Greater Temple 46

Geographic location 48

3 The Caral-Supe Civilization

C part of the Central Andes. The civilizing development of Caral-Supe has been precocious in comparison with that of other populations of the Americas researched to date, preceding them by at least 1,500 years. Its antiquity is similar only to the centers of civilization known in the Old World. When the pyramid of Sakara was being built in Egypt, or the later ones were going up in the Giza Valley, or when the Sumerian cities of Mesopotamia were being occupied, or markets were growing India, Caral's pyramidal buildings were being constructed and remodeled, and multi-functional meetings were periodically being held in the city's plazas. However, whereas the civilizations of the Old World were able to exchange goods and experiences, Caral-Supe and the societies of the north-central area were progressing in isolation from the rest of Peru and the Americas, which were at a lower stage of development.

A complementary economy of fishing and agriculture, with produce traded locally, sustained the social system of Supe and promoted the division of labor, inter-regional exchange, the accumulation of wealth, and development. The exchanging of dried anchovies and sea-foods for cotton and other industrial or food products began the trade chain, to benefit the producers of goods with added value.

The inhabitants lived in nucleated settlements of differing size and complexity, distributed along the valleys. Public and residential architectural structures were built in each of these settlements. Some of the settlements boast impressive monumental buildings, such as those found in the so-called “capital zone of Caral”, which grouped seven settlements and the most extensive and complex city of the time, carefully planned, with pyramidal buildings, large plazas, and several residential groups. The hunu or lord of the valley, who directed the water administration system, regulated the social, economic, and religious activities, kept order, and guaranteed the possession of the lands.

The inhabitants were organized in a hierarchical system, with marked differences in their social position; differences expressed in labor specialization, in the unequal distribution of the goods produced, and in their whole lifestyle.

Knowledge of mathematics and geometry, astronomy, agronomy, biology, was produced and applied in the architectural constructions, the preparation of calendars, in the land-use technology for opening irrigation canals and making terraces for crop cultivation, and in improving the quality of life, in particular of the governors and the social class to which they belonged.

Religion was the tool used by the ruling class to ensure social cohesion and cultural identification, but at the same time to exercise control, justify its privileges, and maintain social order, guaranteeing the reproduction of their class.

The inhabitants periodically participated as a group in production activities, which were combined with other activities of a socioeconomic and religious nature. Thus, the social tissue was strengthened at periodic events where certain group tasks were associated with trade fairs or markets, celebrations of festivities, ceremonies, rites, music, dances, and meals.

4 5 The Caral-Supe Civilization

4 5 Caral-Supe in World History CARAL AND THE CULTUR AL PROCESS IN PERU

NORTHERN ALTIPLANO NORTH SOUTH SOUTHERN ANDEAN Grading Before ANDEAN NORTH-CENTRAL NORTH-CENTRAL ANDEAN (HIGH ANDEAN the Present COAST COAST HIGHLANDS COAST HIGHLANDS AND JUNGLE HIGHLANDS PLATEAU)

1470 530 Inca Inca Inca Inca Inca Inca Inca 1300 700 Cajamarca V Chupachu, Yacha, Chachapoyas Lupaca, Colla 1200 800 Chincha Huanca, Chanca, Killke, Chiribaya 1100 900 Chancay, Colli Ica aral changes the history of peru and the world by showing that a civilization was 1000 1000 Chimú Ichma 900 1100 Cajamarca IV Chanca formed in the central andes as far back in antiquity as the civilizations of the old world: 800 1200 egypt, mesopotamia, india, and china. these civilizations interacted with each other, 700 1300 Lambayeque Pachacamac Atarco Viñaque / Huari Lucre 600 1400 Cajamarca III Nievería Nasca 9 Chaquipampa thereby enriching their respective processes; however, the supe society had no 500 1500 400 1600 Cajamarca II communication with other civilizations, either of the old or new continent. it flourished 300 1700 200 1800 Moche Cajamarca I Lima Recuay Nasca at least 1,500 years earlier than the olmec society, recognized as another center of 100 1900 civilization in the americas. 0 2000 Virú - Gallinazo Paracas Necrópolis Huarpa Tiahuanaco 100 2100 200 2200 Salinar Chankillo, Miramar, Baños de Boza Huaraz, Saqara Pata Paracas Cavernas Pucara 300 2300 Layzón Chavín Janabarriu Ocucaje Chanapata, Wichqana 400 2400 Caballo Muerto 500 2500 600 2600 Chavín Chakinani 700 2700 San Diego 800 2800 900 2900 Kuntur Wasi Chavín Urabarriu 1000 3000 1100 3100 CENTERS OF CIVILIZATION IN THE WORLD 1200 3200 Huacaloma, Pacopampa Kotosh Hacha Marcavalle Chiripa, Qaluyu 1300 3300 Cardal 1400 3400 1500 3500 Guañape Pampa de Las Llamas - Moxeque 1600 3600 Garagay, Mina Perdida Wairajirca 1700 3700 Cerro Sechín Caral-Supe 1800 3800 Pandanche La Florida 5000 years 1900 3900 THE ANDES before the Present 2000 4000 Salinas de Chao Las Haldas 2100 4100 Huaynuná, Río Seco de León, Chuquitanta 2200 4200 La Galgada 3000 B.C. 2300 4300 2400 4400 Chaucayán, Mito, Piruru Olmecas 2500 4500 Huaca Prieta 3200 years 2600 4600 MESOAMERICA before the Present 2700 4700 2800 4800 Caral 1200 B.C. 2900 4900 Mesopotamia 3000 5000 Áspero 5700 years 3100 5100 THE NEAR EAST 3200 5200 before the Present 3300 5300 Bandurria 3400 5400 3700 B.C. Egipto 3500 5500 3600 5600 5300 years 3700 5700 AFRICA before the Present 3800 5800 3900 5900 3300 B.C. India 4000 6000 4600 years 4100 6100 THE FAR EAST 4200 6200 before the Present 4300 6300 4400 6400 4500 6500 2600 B.C. China 4600 6600 3900 years 4700 6700 ASIA before the Present 4800 6800 La Paloma 4900 6900 5000 7000 1900 B.C. Creta 5100 7100 3000 years 5200 7200 EUROPE before the Present 5300 7300 5400 7400 5500 7500 1000 B.C. 5600 7600 5700 7700 5800 7800 5900 7900 6000 8000 Paiján Chivateros Guitarrero / Lauricocha Pozo Santo Anillo

Peru became populated approximately 12 000 years ago, and the early inhabitants About 8000 years ago, small sedentary human groups had 5000 years ago, sedentary societies with incipient agriculture made use of the natural resources in different coastal and Andean locations, as already been formed, and agriculture was one of their had settled a large part of Peru's territory; but only in demonstrated by archaeological findings in Paiján in the deserts of the western subsistence activities. the north-central area of Peru did the economic, social, cultural coastal strip and in Lauricocha, Junín, and Toquepala, in the Andean highlands. Groups of hunter-gatherers have been identified in and natural conditions work together for the formation of Cultural adaptations took place in association with the natural conditions of the high-Andean zones, and farmer-hunters in the Andean the Andean civilization. the different environments, of which there are a great variety in the Central Andes. valleys, as well as fishermen, gatherers of mollusks, gatherers of plants on the hills, and farmers in the coastal strip, among others. Besides having distinctive ways of life and cultures, these populations developed at different paces.

6 7 Caral-Supe in World History CARAL AND THE CULTUR AL PROCESS IN PERU

NORTHERN ALTIPLANO NORTH SOUTH SOUTHERN ANDEAN Grading Before ANDEAN NORTH-CENTRAL NORTH-CENTRAL ANDEAN (HIGH ANDEAN the Present COAST COAST HIGHLANDS COAST HIGHLANDS AND JUNGLE HIGHLANDS PLATEAU)

6 7 SETTLEMENTS CONTEMPORARY The North-Central Area WITH CARAL-SUPE In the north-central area, settlements contemporary with Caral have been identified. They are of different sizes, and have public and domestic architecture. The societies that occupied these places I Áspero shared a common system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rites that is expressed in the conditions were conducive to the formation of the civilizing design of their architecture. phase, both among the populations of the coastal region Vegetable and marine products circulated via and among the Andean highland and Andean jungle the connecting roads in the area, as did ideas, inhabitants. beliefs and experiences in the application of The traditional inter-regional connection among the the knowledge acquired. inhabitants of this area made it possible to take advantage of the production and experiences achieved by the societies of the different regions, in one of the most diversified territories on Planet Earth. This exchange among regions SETTLEMENTS IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL AREA boosted scientific and technological progress. La Galgada ANDEAN ANDEAN COAST HIGHLAND JUNGLE -El Paraiso -La Galgada -Kotosh Chillón River Tablachaca, Huallaga River Valley (Quilter Santa Basin Interconnected Valleys et al. 1991) (Grieder et al. (Izumi & Sono 1988) 1963; Izumi -Río Seco & Terada 1972) The nine valleys of the western slope of the north-central Coastal Chancay area are geographically connected through the high-Andean (Wendt 1964) -Huaricoto plateau where their respective rivers have their source. The Callejón de -Piruro -Bandurria Huallaga River same plateau links them also with Callejón de Huaylas and, PACIFIC OCEAN Las Haldas Huaylas Coastal Huaura (Burger & Basin to the east, with the Marañón river basin and the Huallaga (Fung 1988) Salazar-Burger (Bonnier & river basin, gateways to the Amazon region. -Áspero 1980) Rozenberg Coastal Supe 1988) (Feldman 1980) -Caral and 18 CARAL-SUPE CIVILIZATION settlements NORTH-CENTRAL AREA Supe Valley

Scale bar (Shady 1997-2005) -Las Haldas Coastal Casma

Kotosh In the north-central area, the Supe Valley was the place where the greatest development of the times was achieved. Its inhabitants lived in urban settlements, some of which were impressively large and magnificent, where they erected public buildings and residences.

Caral

Supe Coastline Medio Mundo Coastal Pativilca Valley Supe Valley Callejón de Huaylas Lake Junín, High Andean Anden Highlands of Huanuco Huallaga River Basin Huallaga River Jungle of Tingo María Lagonn Plateau 8 9 SETTLEMENTS CONTEMPORARY The North-Central Area WITH CARAL-SUPE In the north-central area, settlements contemporary with Caral have been identified. They are of different sizes, and have public and domestic architecture. The societies that occupied these places I Áspero shared a common system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rites that is expressed in the conditions were conducive to the formation of the civilizing design of their architecture. phase, both among the populations of the coastal region Vegetable and marine products circulated via and among the Andean highland and Andean jungle the connecting roads in the area, as did ideas, inhabitants. beliefs and experiences in the application of The traditional inter-regional connection among the the knowledge acquired. inhabitants of this area made it possible to take advantage of the production and experiences achieved by the societies of the different regions, in one of the most diversified territories on Planet Earth. This exchange among regions SETTLEMENTS IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL AREA boosted scientific and technological progress. La Galgada ANDEAN ANDEAN COAST HIGHLAND JUNGLE -El Paraiso -La Galgada -Kotosh Chillón River Tablachaca, Huallaga River Valley (Quilter Santa Basin Interconnected Valleys et al. 1991) (Grieder et al. (Izumi & Sono 1988) 1963; Izumi -Río Seco & Terada 1972) The nine valleys of the western slope of the north-central Coastal Chancay area are geographically connected through the high-Andean (Wendt 1964) -Huaricoto plateau where their respective rivers have their source. The Callejón de -Piruro -Bandurria Huallaga River same plateau links them also with Callejón de Huaylas and, PACIFIC OCEAN Las Haldas Huaylas Coastal Huaura (Burger & Basin to the east, with the Marañón river basin and the Huallaga (Fung 1988) Salazar-Burger (Bonnier & river basin, gateways to the Amazon region. -Áspero 1980) Rozenberg Coastal Supe 1988) (Feldman 1980) -Caral and 18 CARAL-SUPE CIVILIZATION settlements NORTH-CENTRAL AREA Supe Valley

Scale bar (Shady 1997-2005) -Las Haldas Coastal Casma

Caral

The settlements are evenly distributed on the two sides of the river, nine on the right bank and nine on the left bank, probably a T purposely “dual” pattern. he 18 settlements of Supe contemporary with Caral vary as to They occupied zones with different resources: their extension, number and size, and the complexity of their architectural components. However, they share characteristics in the Era de Pando type and design of the connected the SETTLEMENTS IN THE SUPE VALLEY constructions: settlements of the ECOLOGICAL ZONE All the settlements had at least one coastal parts and the public building. A recurring element low valleys of Supe, ZONE Right side Left side Pativilca, and Fortaleza. The settlements on is a sunken circular plaza, in the right bank of Supe association with a pyramidal are linked, by means Coast Áspero structure, and with residential Áspero of the Allpacoto gully complexes. El Molino Limán Allpacoto, with Era de Pando the Pativilca and Low valley El Molino Piedra Parada Fortaleza valleys. Limán Pando Era de Pando Pueblo Nuevo Piedra Parada Pando CULTURAL -Organized settlements connected the low Piedra Parada FEATURES -Sunken circular plazas Cerro Colorado valley with the coastal Lower middle Pueblo Lurihuasi SHARED -Stepped architectural parts of the Supe and valley Nuevo IN SUPE structures Lurihuasi Allpacoto Miraya Huaura valleys. -Public buildings Cerro Chupacigarro Miraya Colorado Caral constructed of stone Chupaci- -Groups of houses Jaiva Allpacoto -Ceremonies and rituals garro Caral Huacache Upper middle -Unbaked clay figurines The settlements onthe Capilla Huacache Peñico valley used in ceremonies left bank (Caral, Cerro Blanco -Weaving with twined cotton The urban centers of Capilla Chupacigarro, the upper middle valley -Basketry Cerro Blanco Jaiva and Lurihuasi) Peñico, Cerro Blanco, -Artifacts made of stone, communicate with wood, bone, shells, and Peñico Capilla, Jaiva, and different ecological Huacache, are gourds zones of the Supe, -Recipients and plates made strategically placed for TRADING ROADS OR ROUTES Huaura, and Chancay communication with of gourds and stone valleys. the villages of the The most extensive settlements are Andean highland parts near access roads to the neighboring of Supe, Huaura, Pativilca, Fortaleza, valleys, in gullies lying perpendicular and others. to the valley.

Coast Low valley Lower middle valley Upper middle valley

Áspero Era de Pando Lurihuasi Miraya Chupacigarro Caral Pueblo Nuevo Jaiva

10 11 DISTRIBUTION OF The Supe Valley and 18 contemporary settlements SETTLEMENTS IN THE VALLEY

Coast Low valley Lower middle valley Upper middle valley

Áspero Era de Pando Lurihuasi Miraya Chupacigarro Caral Pueblo Nuevo Jaiva

10 11 Cultural process of the civilized Central Zone of Caral society of the Supe Valley

1. Remote Period (about 3000 B.C.) T -People started farming land. -Management of wetlands. settlements, seven of the -Nucleated settlements. total number of 18, is -Groups of related families or lineages took concentrated in the lower PUEBLO NUEVO possession of land collectively. middle valley area. The -Houses built with organic materials. most outstanding social and -Discreet public buildings constructed. cultural center of the times was found here. 2. Ancient Period (3000 - 2600 B.C.) The area is practically -Growth of urban settlements in the central enclosed by the mountain zone, located in the lower middle valley. range, making it a CERRO COLORADO -Plazas made in open spaces, for public controllable space. To the ALLPACOTO gatherings. west, the foothills on both -Construction of impressive buildings. sides of the valley close at a narrow mountain pass at 3. Initial Middle Period (2600 - 2300 B.C.) kilometer 14.4, and then the -Restructuring of the general design of the valley opens again into a 10- city km long “fertile pocket,” -Remodeling of buildings; planned which subsequently closes construction, with coordinated axes. again to the east, near the -Construction of buildings using a pyramid model with a single façade. Las Minas site. LURIHUASI -Circular plazas were added. -Huge economic investment; an enormous labor force was used. -The State government was formed. THE SUPE RIVER MIRAYA 4. Late Period (2300 - 2200 B.C.) From January to April, the -Enlargement of the area and volume of the rainy season in the Andes, public buildings, large platforms, and plazas. the river fills its bed, cutting the connection between the 5. Initial Late Period (2200 - 2100 B.C.) settlements located on the -Remodeling of public buildings. two sides of the valley. CHUPACIGARRO -Construction of plazas within quadrangular During the summer months platforms. in the Andes, the waters of CARAL -The site of Era de Pando acquired prestige Supe River are replaced by in the low valley. springs or puquios, so the irrigation canals continue 6. Final Late Period (2100 - 1800 B.C.) distributing abundant water -Remodeling of public buildings using to the croplands. smaller stones. -Burial of certain components and architectural elements, of great significance. -The city was abandoned.

The prestige of the city of Caral, dwelling place of the gods, and the Sacred Valley of Supe, began to diminish as new poles of development arose, possibly because of the incorporation into civilized life of societies on the northern coast, such as those of the Casma Valley, or those of the Rímac Valley in the central coastal area, which applied and developed the organizational, scientific, and technological advances achieved by the “mother culture” of Caral.

PUEBLO NUEVO CERRO COLORADO ALLPACOTO LURIHUASI MIRAYA CHUPACIGARRO CARAL

12 13 Cultural process of the civilized Central Zone of Caral society of the Supe Valley

PUEBLO NUEVO CERRO COLORADO ALLPACOTO LURIHUASI MIRAYA CHUPACIGARRO CARAL

12 13 Economic organization ECOSYSTEMS AND PRODUCTION

CALENDAR OF FESTIVITIES: The population of Supe carried out different CEREMONIES, FAIRS, AND PUBLIC WORK DAYS activities in the ecosystems that made up their environment in order to make full use of their resources. In Caral the officials in charge of each building, identified with a specific T deity, used to call the people together for different activities according to and fishing, linked by trading. Trade a calendar of celebrations or festivities. ECOSYSTEMS PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES Other participants in these mass meetings of the people ruled by the was conducted by the authorities of the Digging sticks settlements or "pachacas". governors of this early State would have been groups of pilgrims and Sea Fishing and gathering. traders from different parts of the north-central area and the rest of the One of the most productive seas country. in the world. Coast with sandy and rocky beaches.

Valley Agriculture. SEA AND VALLEY, Deer's antlers Cutting tools Flat land, easy to irrigate with river for digging COMPLEMENTARY ECONOMY -Rites and water and spring water. The coastal dwellers and inhabitants of ceremonies Wetlands Gathering and fishing the valley constantly traded their Raw materials for making plant -Renewal of the fibers, and obtaining fish. products. Caral is 26 kilometers from architecture the sea, and nevertheless the Sickles Hills Hunting and gathering. excavations have provided proof that Deer, vizcacha (a chinchilla-like huge quantities of marine products were rodent Lagidium peruanum), and consumed. snails. Spearheads Riparian vegetation Hunting and gathering. Raw materials for construction, cane and wood; hunting of fowl and deer.

VALLEY SEA Desert alluvial terrace Construction. With stone, clay, wood, and cane. Products -Cotton and gourds. -Fish and mollusks. Raw materials for the manufacture High-protein foods. Axes of fishing nets, bowls, pots, and Mainly anchovies, mussels, and fishing floats. clams. -Vegetables for food. -Agricultural tools such as digging INVESTMENT OF PRODUCTION sticks, deer's antlers, and holed SURPLUSES stones, used for turning the earth, and axes for chopping down trees. -Trading of The systemizing of the processes and the labor Boleadoras products and Tools found Instruments for hunting, such as -In the settlement of Áspero, Holed stones specialization led to production surpluses and boleadoras (stone balls connected fishhooks and fishing nets have (Lariats with balls sharing of permitted the accumulation of wealth. Surpluses been found. Fishing nets found in at one end, used by thick cord, thrown to entangle information were invested in projects to benefit the public, and the legs or neck of the prey), Bandurria are unusual for their size for hunting) among the members arrowheads, and woven cotton and technique of manufacture. in the maintenance of the authorities, officials, and of the different slings. No fishing implements have been -Installation their families. found in Caral. pachacas or extended of trade fairs in family groups. Slings the Central Plaza

INVESTMENT OF -Continuous construction, burial, and PRODUCTION remodeling of public buildings. SURPLUSES -Infrastructure works such as reservoirs, THE IMPORTANCE OF SALT LONG-DISTANCE terraces, irrigation canals, and drainage TRADE ditches; maintenance of this infrastructure. -Support of the religious, political, and Remains of salt in the grinding stones, as administrative authorities and officials and their well as a block of salt measuring 30,5 x 27 Many objects made out of families. exotic materials have been cm found in the Greater Pyramid, bear -Work of specialists dedicated to the production witness to the importance of salt in the Caral found, from the Andean of knowledge in the fields of astronomy, era. In this reference, it should be noted that highlands, Andean jungle, arithmetic, geometry, medicine, agricultural there are several salt beds in the area, one of and equatorial coastal genetics, architecture, and land-farming which, the “Salinas de Huacho,” is Peru's region. Sisal, or technology. largest concentration of salt. cabuya fiber Mollusks from -Inter-regional and long-distance trading. Spondylus from the Andean jungla the tropical waters of Ecuador -Production of objects by craftsmen specializing in textiles, stones, and spondylus.

-Maintenance of the servers of public buildings.

14 15 Economic organization ECOSYSTEMS AND PRODUCTION

-Maintenance of the servers of public buildings.

14 15 Products identified where they came from T ancient inhabitants of Caral. It has become evident that there was dynamic inter-regional trade, through which the people were able to accede to a varied range of goods from the different regions of the Andes.

ANDEAN ANDEAN SEA AND COAST Fish Others HILLS VALLEY HIGHLANDS JUNGLE Mollusks Mammals Agricultural products Mollusks

Peruvian anchovy Peruvian pacific sardine Lorna drum Engraulis ringens Sardinops sagax Sciaena deliciosa Blue whale Cotton Seeds of the Gourd Lloque Wedge clam Pique Museel Otaria byronia Mussel Lagenaria siceraria Kageneckia lanceolata Choromytilus chorus Mesodesma donacium Crepipatella sp. Semimytilus algosus

Peruvian banded croaker Pacific menhaden Striped mullet Congompe Paralonchurus peruanus Ethmidium maculatum Mugil cephalus Fin whale Megalobulimus sp. Balaenoptera physalus Deer of Mussel Small Clam Clam Mussel Clam white tail Aulacomya ater Donax obesulus Mulinia edulis Perumytilus purpuratus Eurhomalea rufa Seeds of the squah Common bean Lima bean Arrowroot Odocoileus Others Cabinza grunt Inca scad Peruvian silverside Cucurbita sp. Phaseolus vulgaris Phaseolus lunatus Canna edulis Plants Isacia conceptionis Trachurus murphyi Odontesthes regia virginianus Cactus Espostoa melanostele Sea lion Otaria byronia Mollusks Barnacle rock shell Scallop Dye Shell Pearly top shell Keyhole limpet Corvina drum Peruvian pelican Palm ruff Longnose anchovy Pelecanus thagus Concholepas concholepas Argopecten purpuratus Stramonita chocolata Tegula atra Fissurella sp. Cilus gilberti Seriolella violacea Anchoa nasus Camarón Annato Sweet potato Potato Guava Ice cream bean Psidium guajava Inga feuillei Cryphiops caementarius Perico cordillerano Bixa orellana Ipomoea batatas Solanum cf. tuberosum Chilean sea urchin Bolborynchus aurifrons Loxechinus albus Stark drum Peruvian weakfish Eastern pacific bonito Yellow Bells Sciaena starksi Cynoscion analis Sarda chiliensis Tecoma sp. Clam Olive Shell Clam Caracol Crab Olive Shell Hepatus chilensis Protothaca thaca Oliva peruviana Oliva peruviana fulgurata Chione subrugosa Crassilabrum crassilabrum Dye shell Smoothhound Condor andino Calabash-tree Peruvian grunt Peruvian sea catfish Caracol Vultur gryphus Crescentia cujete Anisotremus scapularis Galeichthys peruvianus Mustelus sp. Familia Pepper Avocado Lucmo Maize Physa sp. Sal Bulimulidae Capsicum sp. Persea americana Pouteria lucuma Zea mays

16 17 Products identified where they came from T ancient inhabitants of Caral. It has become evident that there was dynamic inter-regional trade, through which the people were able to accede to a varied range of goods from the different regions of the Andes.

ANDEAN ANDEAN SEA AND COAST Fish Others HILLS VALLEY HIGHLANDS JUNGLE Mollusks Mammals Agricultural products Mollusks

16 17 Handicraft production

PLANT FIBERS AND SHICRAS COLORED COTTON AND TEXTILES

Abundant cotton seeds and balls of cotton The name of Caral, in (Gossypium barbadense). Quechua, refers to cabuya Large compact bundles of colored cotton or sisal, a dry fiber often were found: light brown, brown, cream, and used in weaving. beige. Its importance in society was expressed in the symbolic significance of the bags filled with stones, the “shicras". Other materials used were reeds, totora reeds, carricillo, and cortadera.

MASS PRODUCTION OF SHICRA BAGS Single twining TEXTILE WORKSHOP WEAVING TECHNIQUES Continuous pair twining DIFFERENT OBJECTS AND Shicras are bags woven out of plant USES Continuous pair twining and transposed fibers. They used bone and wood needles, spindles warps ITEMS TECHNIQUES USED Baskets, bags, and mats, for made of different materials, and bone They are found in large numbers in the storing or carrying food and bodkins and weaving swords. They also Alternate pair twining construction fills of the platforms of Bags Looping and simple knotting other products, for domestic, public and residential buildings. trade, or ritual purposes. used balls of yarn, cords and twisted yarn. -For household use: Alternate pair twining and supplementary TEXTIL: The production of these bags must Rush Simple twining and twining Mats and baskets were also They made textiles of different natural weft USES AND clothes, shoes, cloaks, matting with hidden wefting found in human burials. colors, using a variety of techniques and SYMBOLIC VALUE bags. have been continuous and systematic. In construction work, thick Transposed warp twining They are linked with the measurement Baskets Simple twining with ropes were used, as well as structural designs. -Made for trading transposed warps and plaiting thousands of shicra bags filled The spinning and manufacture of cotton Paired transposed warp twining of tax, but they were also symbolic, with stones. textiles would have given additional value to -Social hierarchy was having religious and cultural Ropes Multiple twisting Shicras were often used as Twining with geometric decoration indicated by means of significance. The shicra bags buried religious offerings. these goods, to the benefit of the producers elaborate designs. Cords Twisting from the valley. Twining with fringes rooms that would no longer be -For religious occupied but at the same time they purposes, textiles were linked with the new rooms to be were burned. constructed, thereby expressing cultural continuity. 18 19 Handicraft production

PLANT FIBERS AND SHICRAS COLORED COTTON AND TEXTILES

1. Obtain the raw materials.

UTENSILS WORKSHOPS

Caral's craftsmen made necklaces, beads, charms, Different instruments have been 2. Smooth the surface to attenuate found that were most probably tupus (shawl pins) and other objects for the adornment of both the living and the dead. They the concentric growth bands, used for cooking and eating leaving only fine streaks. meals. used rudimentary drills made of stone and bone. Gourds were used as containers, The raw materials for making personal ornaments bottles, cups, and plates. came from different places: bones and shells from Craftsmen carved wood to make the coast, semi-precious stones and other minerals spoons, and stones to make from the Andean highlands, snails and wood from plates and mortars. Mollusk the Andean forest, and the spondylus princeps valves were also used as shell from Ecuador. containers. 3. Polish with cotton or Wooden spoons leather cloth to obtain a surface with medium STONE BEADS Chrysocolla Quartz or high shine. Jasper Siderite Carbonate Garnet Calcite Microdiorite Chlorite Limonite Diorite Rhodochrosite

4. Incise and perforate the surface with a pointed stone instrument.

BEADS AND CHARMS MADE OUT OF MOLLUSKS Gourds

PERSONAL Shawl pins and brooches made ORNAMENTS out of bones of mammals. MADE OF BONE Beads and charms from the bones of sea birds like the cormorant (Phalacrocorax sp.) and the booby (Sula sp.). Bead made out of the bone of Made of whale the coco fish or Peruvian bone Banded Croaker (Paralonchurus peruanus)

Bottle made Andesite volcanic rock Stone bowl BEADS MADE Unbaked clay out of a gourd OUT OF OTHER Seeds MATERIALS Stalks twisted with cabuya fiber Carved wooden charms

Made of stone

Volcanic rock epidote Rhodochrosite and chrysocolla

Minerals for making beads Work tools Container made out of a shell Stone plate

20 21 Handicraft production Mollusk workshop process

1. Obtain the raw materials.

UTENSILS WORKSHOPS

4. Incise and perforate the surface with a pointed stone instrument.

BEADS AND CHARMS MADE OUT OF MOLLUSKS Gourds

Bottle made Andesite volcanic rock Stone bowl BEADS MADE Unbaked clay out of a gourd OUT OF OTHER Seeds MATERIALS Stalks twisted with cabuya fiber Carved wooden charms

Made of stone

Volcanic rock epidote Rhodochrosite and chrysocolla

Minerals for making beads Work tools Container made out of a shell Stone plate

20 21 Political organization SPECIALIZATIONS In Supe society, conditions were such that the different activities could be conducted by expert groups. This was conducive to the development of T techniques and systematization of work. Studies of the architecture and the Supe society and its area of influence apparently cultural material recovered bring us transcended far beyond its space and time. It became the closer to identifying the possible “mother culture” which supported the foundations of social personages who formed part of Caral organization and intellectual production and which was to society. mark the cultural process in the Andean world. If the Inca Empire was the last pre-Hispanic State, Caral-Supe was the first state formed 4,400 years earlier. In addition, the geoglyphic lines on the Pampas of Nasca had their forerunners in Caral 3,200 years before. - Chiefs or curacas in charge of The form of government mentioned by historians for the religious services, and the political Andean societies probably began with the formation of and economic handling of the civilization. This social system seems to have continued in pachacas. spite of the changes of dynasties and even the consequences - Experts in the coded recording of of an imperial conquest. information using the "quipu”. - Experts in astronomy, preparation of calendars of activities and festivities. HUNO - Experts in the management of AYLLU Above the authorities of the two sayas (halves) irrigation canals, and water Related family groups who was the Valley Curaca or Headman, known as distribution; and experimentation to worked the same portion of PACHACAS (SETTLEMENTS) HEADMEN AND the Huno or Uno. He ruled over the authorities improve agricultural production. land in the valley and The people of Supe were CHIEFS of the sayas, pachacas and ayllus, in a - Experts in medicine. belonged to a determined organized into urban centers Each pachaca was hierarchical system; he represented the - Experts in the design and pachaca (settlement or group of different sizes and represented by its unification of the valley and the nationality of construction of public works. of about 100 individuals). complexity, maintained by a authority or Headman its people; he led the State government and SAYAS - Musical experts They had their lineage self-sufficient economy and (Curaca), in addition to resided in the capital city. The settlements in the - Hairdressing experts authorities and their led both politically and the Chiefs. The presence of public buildings with a sunken Supe valley were on both - Traders headquarters public building administratively by their own These authorities circular plaza in almost every urban settlement authorities, the Curacas or banks of the river, in - Cotton textile artisans. for multifunctional, political, provided services to the ICHO HUARI AND was associated with specific public functions Headmen. They had their similar numbers, in - Basket-making artisans. religious, economic and members of their ayllus ALLAUCA HUARI of State recognition. gods and religious practices, keeping with the dual - Craftsmen who made adornments administrative activities. and pachaca ensuring Each saya was under The political power of the principal Curaca, in which they maintained concept of the World View out of semi-precious stones, and They worked for their living, certain natural and social the authority of the icho however, kept the functions of the pachaca their identity. of the Supe society. Each Spondylus and other shells. either farming or fishing, and conditions for them. Huari and the allauca decentralized, in terms of politics, economy or They were integrated by saya (“half”) was made up - Stone masons gave their Chiefs, part of the They directed the Huari, the “first person” ideology: each pachaca had its own “lords”, economic links (their land of a number of pachacas - Bricklayers goods they produced. In farming, economic, and the “second experts, farmers and serving men. It was and the irrigation works), (settlements) on both the - Farmers addition to rendering services religious, and person”, as referred to enough for the Curaca that they comply with and religious and cultural left and the right bank. - Fishermen on the land assigned to the construction activities. by historians. paying tax to him, in goods and above all, in gods, they also took part in links (their gods and provision of services. the construction work for periodically held public His influence and prestige would have renovating the temples. ceremonies). extended to the north central area during this period.

22 23 Political organization SPECIALIZATIONS In Supe society, conditions were such that the different activities could be conducted by expert groups. This was conducive to the development of T techniques and systematization of work. Studies of the architecture and the Supe society and its area of influence apparently cultural material recovered bring us transcended far beyond its space and time. It became the closer to identifying the possible “mother culture” which supported the foundations of social personages who formed part of Caral organization and intellectual production and which was to society. mark the cultural process in the Andean world. If the Inca Empire was the last pre-Hispanic State, Caral-Supe was the first state formed 4,400 years earlier. In addition, the geoglyphic lines on the Pampas of Nasca had their forerunners in Caral 3,200 years before. - Chiefs or curacas in charge of The form of government mentioned by historians for the religious services, and the political Andean societies probably began with the formation of and economic handling of the civilization. This social system seems to have continued in pachacas. spite of the changes of dynasties and even the consequences - Experts in the coded recording of of an imperial conquest. information using the "quipu”. - Experts in astronomy, preparation of calendars of activities and festivities. HUNO - Experts in the management of AYLLU Above the authorities of the two sayas (halves) irrigation canals, and water Related family groups who was the Valley Curaca or Headman, known as distribution; and experimentation to worked the same portion of PACHACAS (SETTLEMENTS) HEADMEN AND the Huno or Uno. He ruled over the authorities improve agricultural production. land in the valley and The people of Supe were CHIEFS of the sayas, pachacas and ayllus, in a - Experts in medicine. belonged to a determined organized into urban centers Each pachaca was hierarchical system; he represented the - Experts in the design and pachaca (settlement or group of different sizes and represented by its unification of the valley and the nationality of construction of public works. of about 100 individuals). complexity, maintained by a authority or Headman its people; he led the State government and SAYAS - Musical experts They had their lineage self-sufficient economy and (Curaca), in addition to resided in the capital city. The settlements in the - Hairdressing experts authorities and their led both politically and the Chiefs. The presence of public buildings with a sunken Supe valley were on both - Traders headquarters public building administratively by their own These authorities circular plaza in almost every urban settlement authorities, the Curacas or banks of the river, in - Cotton textile artisans. for multifunctional, political, provided services to the ICHO HUARI AND was associated with specific public functions Headmen. They had their similar numbers, in - Basket-making artisans. religious, economic and members of their ayllus ALLAUCA HUARI of State recognition. gods and religious practices, keeping with the dual - Craftsmen who made adornments administrative activities. and pachaca ensuring Each saya was under The political power of the principal Curaca, in which they maintained concept of the World View out of semi-precious stones, and They worked for their living, certain natural and social the authority of the icho however, kept the functions of the pachaca their identity. of the Supe society. Each Spondylus and other shells. either farming or fishing, and conditions for them. Huari and the allauca decentralized, in terms of politics, economy or They were integrated by saya (“half”) was made up - Stone masons gave their Chiefs, part of the They directed the Huari, the “first person” ideology: each pachaca had its own “lords”, economic links (their land of a number of pachacas - Bricklayers goods they produced. In farming, economic, and the “second experts, farmers and serving men. It was and the irrigation works), (settlements) on both the - Farmers addition to rendering services religious, and person”, as referred to enough for the Curaca that they comply with and religious and cultural left and the right bank. - Fishermen on the land assigned to the construction activities. by historians. paying tax to him, in goods and above all, in gods, they also took part in links (their gods and provision of services. the construction work for periodically held public His influence and prestige would have renovating the temples. ceremonies). extended to the north central area during this period.

22 23 Social stratification and hierarchies PERSONAL ADORNMENTS WHALE VERTEBRAE

Social position was marked by the clothes, hair style and In the Gallery Pyramid, 26 vertebrae of at HUMAN INTERMENT OBJECTS BELONGING headdress, and also by the use of elaborate personal least one individual blue whale TO THE ELITE adornments. Finds include beads and charms made out (Balaenoptera musculus), and three of mollusks such as the Spondylus princeps from common fin whales (Balaenoptera Only rarely have we found human interments in excavations of Small government-related groups the Ecuador; and a charm made of a Giant Mussel with physalus) were recovered; the majority of the buildings in the city of Caral. Any such discoveries probably used exclusive artifacts incised spiral decorations. these measured 38 by 37 and were 23 cm correspond to special contexts, linked to specific rituals. manufactured for ceremonial purposes. In recently recovered offerings, a bone charm with high. Special objects were made out of Burials indicate social distinction, in particular in the case of These are the more elaborately finished zoomorphic designs and chrysocolla incrustations has these vertebrae: some were polished and some children who received special treatment because of an objects, or else objects made from exotic been discovered; in another, a complex necklace painted; one showed perforations. assigned status, since they were not old enough to obtain a materials, that are commonly found in the decorated with feathers. social position for themselves. pyramids and in the houses of the elite.

INTERMENT OF CHILDREN

Bodies of infants were entombed under the walls or floor of a house. Possibly this is linked with the belief that the offering of a human child would ensure that the building would be long-lasting. Burials of children in sectors of the Central Pyramid and in the housing group in the lower half of the city show contexts with textiles, necklaces of semi-precious stones, wreaths and other ornaments, because of their inherited social position. On the other hand, other children's bodies, like those found on the terrace bordering the valley (X Sector) or in the external wall of the Temple of the Bench, Hyaline quartz axe Spearhead of milky quartz Necklace or rattle of olives had not been given the same attention nor did they have Necklace of feathers (Oliva peruviana fulgurata) objects buried with them.

Bone charm Mussel with spiral decorations Large-scale stone axe Woven fabrics (Choromytilus chorus)

INTERMENT OF CHILDREN

Bone charm Mussel with spiral decorations Large-scale stone axe Woven fabrics (Choromytilus chorus)

Houses on the outskirts House of the elite Beads made from Necklace with siderite the Spondylus princeps shell and calcite beads ENTIERROS DE ADULTOS SOCIALLY STRATIFIED HOUSES INTERMENT OF ADULTS Se ha hallado el cadáver de un solo individuo adulto, puesto One of these artifacts was found inside the Thecomo body parte of deonly un one ritual adult de enterramientohas been found, en placed el recinto as part of a The studies on housing show socially stratified residential Gallery, for use by the person in charge of the burial ritual in the ceremonial room of the Greater Pyramid. It sectors: acts that were carried out there. Most of them was naked and had been thrown in as part of the filling material Some were located in relation to public buildings or to the upper were found in association with two pacay tree as though it were one stone more. or lower halves of the nucleus area of the city; others, on the trunks, in an evident ceremonial context. The Also, isolated skulls have been recovered in certain buildings other hand, were in the marginal area that bordered the valley, tree trunks were wrapped in woven vegetable (B2 and E); these had probably been deposited as offerings the outskirts of the city. The former all have better organized fiber fabric. during specific construction events. spaces and fine finishes; while the latter were adapted to the terrain, were smaller and more simply made. 24 25 Science: measurements QUIPU and medicine MEDICINE A discovery has recently been made, in the Gallery Medical knowledge is evidenced in the recurrent presence of plants Pyramid, of a multiple known for their curative properties. Many of such plants were buried in T offering with an ancient contexts of offerings. quipu among its experts raised the standard of living of Supe society. components. Its use in Caral A series of technologies were developed, based on times implies that a coded COMMON NAME SPECIES CURATIVE PROPERTY scientific research. recording system was Altemisa, or Knowledge of arithmetic and geometry were put to already in place. It is now Ambrosia peruviana Anti-rheumatic: infusion of leaves. being studied. Peruvian ragweed; good use in the design and execution of architectural malco; yarrow. projects; astronomical studies were used in the measurement of time; and there was a coded system Milkwort; swallow Chamaesyce Used for kidney diseases. for recording information. grass. hypercifolia

Black nightshade; Solanum Analgesic: boil the leaves or use Chile pepper; americanum them as a poultice for external use. pilliyuyo; mata ASTRONOMY THE GEOGLYPH gallina. OF CHUPACIGARRO Stomach infections: bathing with Verbena; wild Verbena litoralis infusion of the plant. One of the fields of research was verbena astronomy, and the knowledge Located 1 km from the city obtained was applied in drawing up the Horsetail Equisetum sp. Diuretic: Infusion of the plant. annual, medium-term, and long-term of Caral, its lines are made calendars for the celebration of with angular stones. Pichana; escoba Sidastrum Infusion for cleaning wounds. festivities and other religious and civic It represents the well known ancojacha paniculatum Sechin-style profile head activities. It was also applied in Pega pega; Boerhavia sp. determining in which direction public (Casma valley); the face is Laxative. looking toward to the east; pegajosa; buildings should face. pegapinto Carved stones have been found the eye is closed, and the mouth open. Either its hair Gastroenteritis: infusion of leaves, scattered next to formal ruins, such as Guava Psidium guajava bark and green fruit. geoglyphs and lines distributed on a is blowing in the wind, or desert plain framed by hills; another blood is spurting from its Pacay Inga feuillei Digestive: eat the pulp of the fruit. head. find was an underground room that was Willow roofed, in the form of a space Its location on a prominent Salix humboldtiana Sedative: boil the bark. site in the middle of the laboratory, and a 12 m-wide path or Avocado Persea americana Diuretic: boil the leaves road. pampa, between two lines of A monolith or "huanca" dominates a stone, confers a special public square formed between three social treatment on it, in direct connection with pyramids and their housing annexes. Many folded packets of stalks and willow leaves (Salix humboldtiana) The huanca was probably used for astronomical observations and religious acts. were found, placed in different contexts, and inside holes. The local astronomical studies, and would have inhabitants used them to relieve headaches. It is interesting to recall had great symbolic value attached to it. that the main agent of aspirin is salicylic acid, which is extracted from the willow tree.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL Geoglyphs: drawings EVIDENCE and geometric figures

Traces or lines

Underground observatories

Stone blocks with carved holes

Monoliths driven into Stone with a series of carved holes Underground room the ground at Lecherita or milkwort Black nightshade Pega pega determined places Geoglyph

Stone monolith: "La Huanca” 26 27 Science: measurements QUIPU and medicine MEDICINE A discovery has recently been made, in the Gallery Medical knowledge is evidenced in the recurrent presence of plants Pyramid, of a multiple known for their curative properties. Many of such plants were buried in T offering with an ancient contexts of offerings. quipu among its experts raised the standard of living of Supe society. components. Its use in Caral A series of technologies were developed, based on times implies that a coded COMMON NAME SPECIES CURATIVE PROPERTY scientific research. recording system was Altemisa, or Knowledge of arithmetic and geometry were put to already in place. It is now Ambrosia peruviana Anti-rheumatic: infusion of leaves. being studied. Peruvian ragweed; good use in the design and execution of architectural malco; yarrow. projects; astronomical studies were used in the measurement of time; and there was a coded system Milkwort; swallow Chamaesyce Used for kidney diseases. for recording information. grass. hypercifolia

ARCHAEOLOGICAL Geoglyphs: drawings EVIDENCE and geometric figures

Traces or lines

Underground observatories

Stone blocks with carved holes

Monoliths driven into Stone with a series of carved holes Underground room the ground at Lecherita or milkwort Black nightshade Pega pega determined places Geoglyph

Stone monolith: "La Huanca” 26 27 Science and technology

FLUID MECHANICS CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY Five altars have been found with PLANT FUEL especially designed fireplaces. In order to erect the monumental pyramid buildings AND GENETIC MANAGEMENT The fireplaces have underground and guarantee their stability, Caral's engineers ventilation ducts, in order to applied knowledge of structural engineering and At the Miraya site, a shicra bag containing four smaller, keep the fire alight for a long resistance of materials. Agricultural engineering techniques were introduced, elongated woven bags was found. Each of them had inside time, making use of the draught The construction fills were especially designed. They irrigation canals and water reservoirs were built, it a packet of brown fiber. from the wind. placed the materials in layers, following the model of terraces were prepared for planting and cultivating The fibers belong to the Epostoa cactus (Espostoa textile manufacture, bags of stones or shicras, crops, the terraces were fertilized, and agricultural melanostele. In Ancash, this fiber is called pumpush or alternating with loose earth or gravel. tools were manufactured. puña and in Huánuco it is known as cahuay. Consultants The geometrical shape applied to the layout and Observing the agricultural products found here, we in Callejón de Conchucos describe it as a plant that grows construction of the circular plazas of Caral is of can see an improvement in the species cultivated for in the puna or high Andean plateau, which is used to keep particular interest. In construction work, knowledge food and industrial uses, such as the cotton of the fire from going out. of mathematics, geometry, astronomy and different colors. The ancient inhabitants of Caral The fact that it was used by the inhabitants of the Supe engineering was combined with art and religious experimented with plant species to improve the quality Valley is clear evidence of inter-regional trading. beliefs. Builders used instruments made of stone and and productivity of their crops. wood, ropes made of plant fiber, and shicra bags full of stones, and they made paint for the walls with mineral pigments.

Find of shicra bag containing the Espostoa melanostele fiber

Colored cotton, several different Platforms and construction fills in Stereoscope image of the fiber Espostoa melanostele Altar of the Circular plazas of Caral shades Canal used today the Greater Temple and needles of the Epostoa cactus cactus in its natural habitat sacred fire

Find of shicra bag containing the Espostoa melanostele fiber

CONSTRUCTION Hammerstones TOOLS AND Polishers Balanced diet MATERIALS Smoothers Containers Anchovy They ate vegetables combined with seafood: fish, mollusks, Ropes and cords and crustaceans. Among the fish they selected anchovies and Fiber bags or shicras Smoother Mortar with pigment sardines; species known for their high protein content, as well Mortars and pestles Polisher as for their easy dehydration for trading purposes. Cut stones Inter-regional exchange favored the diversity of Poles of willow and guarango wood complementary products. Cane Sweet Lima bean Guava Squash or pumpkin Achira Clay potato (butter bean) (arrowroot) Red pigments (hematite) Pestle with pigment Yellow pigments (goethite) Perforator Hammerstone Remains of a roof White pigments 28 Plumb bob 29 The Sacred City of Caral CENTRAL PLAZA THE GREATER PYRAMID (E Sector) Holes seen on the ground here This is the pyramidal architectural complex of the were made by the posts of tents set greatest extension and volume in the city. up temporarily for the periodic THE LESSER PYRAMID (G Sector) Judging by its size, location, and its association trade fairs that must have taken E2 SECTOR This is east of the Greater Pyramid, and with the circular plaza, it must have been place at the times set by the Located east of the its facade in the Middle and Late periods L Caral's main public building. calendar of festivities. Public Greater Pyramid, it faces toward the Greater Pyramid. The functions taking place here were of contains two small facade of the Ancient period shows a a political, economic, and industrial pyramidal structures. completely different location, facing River starts, 26 km from the shore and at an elevation nature. north. Behind the pyramid on the east of 350 m.a.s.l., the city covers 66 hectares. It has a side are the residences associated with nuclear zone with 32 public buildings and several this public building. residential complexes, and an area on the edge or PLAZA OF LA HUANCA outskirts, bordering the valley, where several housing This is a kind of sub-space west of the complexes were built. Central Plaza. It is presided over by a 2.30 RESIDENTIAL SECTOR ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY m. monolith known as La Huanca driven (X Sector) into the ground in the space between the This is an extensive group of houses built on the terrace Pyramid of the Gallery, the Pyramid of La URBANISM AND TOWN PLANNING that borders the valley, between the nuclear area of the city Huanca, and the Lesser Pyramid. The and the cultivated fields. The houses are distributed in a monolith was an instrument used by the series of sub-groups or “islands” the length of the terrace; ancient inhabitants of Caral for The layout of the architectural structures they were adapted to the topography of the city and they astronomical studies and measurement of indicates an organized use of the space and a have very small rooms. Activities carried out here were of a time. domestic, social, and ritual nature. planned design of the city. Important criteria of From the location assigned to them, and the size of the social organization were taken into account, houses and their rooms, it can be deduced that they were THE GALLERY PYRAMID (H Sector) such as the hierarchy of the different social occupied by the class that provided Caral with its most This is located on the east side of the numerous labor force. central space, in the Plaza of La Huanca. strata and the symbolic divisions of the lineages; This building is third in size of Caral's religious criteria were also used, with regard to pyramidal buildings of Caral. Its extension, volume of construction, and the deities; and astronomic criteria influenced cultural material found here suggest that the orientation of the façades. THE QUARRY PYRAMID (B Sector) its conductors played an important role in This building was adapted to a natural rocky promontory. the city. The remains of a housing Its façades of the Middle and Late periods were oriented complex associated with this public Following the Andean traditional dual division, of toward the Greater Pyramid. To the south and west there building are seen on the lower-lying terrain Hanan (upper) and Hurin (lower), the nuclear area are housing complexes linked with this building. to the south. was divided into two main halves: High Caral, to the north, and Low Caral to the south. The city THE PYRAMID OF LA HUANCA (I Sector) had public buildings, houses, residential This is a rectangular building in the HOUSING UNITS B1, B2 and B5 extreme southeast of the upper half of the complexes, and plazas, organized around a large Located around the Quarry Pyramid, these houses city. Its façade faces the urban space that esplanade, which was used in a variety of ways were built with stone walls, plastered and painted, it shares with the Gallery Pyramid. The and finely finished. huanca monolith was most probably the over time. Judging by the location, the size of the houses, the axle that guided the orientation of the To construct the city, a complex system of labor construction material used, and the contexts, it has central staircase in the façade of this organization was adopted, with the capacity to been deduced that these were occupied by people building. who had a high social status and were linked with To the south is the residential complex execute large-scale projects, such as their the Quarry Pyramid. association with this construction. monumental pyramidal buildings; the authorities HIGH CARAL called on groups specializing in different fields: RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX I2 religious authorities, architects, engineers, THE GREATER RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX (A Sector) Composed of two large adjacent astronomers, and artisans with experience in This is a series of residential sub-groups, residences, with spacious, finely-finished constructed the length of a terrace which closes the LOW CARAL rooms. preparing mortars and clays, making shicra southern side of the Central Plaza, toward which the The high-ranking families responsible for bags, selecting the stones, and making paints, façades face. Based on the location of this housing the Pyramid of La Huanca lived here. They etc. They also scheduled the systematic complex, its architectural design, the size of the held an important social position in the structures and the construction material, as well as city. maintenance of their architectural structures. on the context of the finds, we suggest that the An interesting find was a ceremonial occupants of these houses ranked third in the quartz axe. hierarchical order of the inhabitants of the city of Caral. HANDICRAFT SPECIALIZATION WORKSHOP (J Sector) This is at the east edge of the lower half of HIGH CARAL LOW CARAL THE TEMPLE OF THE ROUND ALTAR (P Sector) the city. It is made up of three extensive Located in the lower half of the city, this is the second rectangular rooms. This half of the city, This was the half, largest in this area of the city. The western part has a Small hollows were found on the floor, possibly linked with apparently linked with round altar with a central fireplace and underground sealed with a layer of clay, which ventilation ducts. contained beads made of chrysocolla, patrilineal lineages, held matrilineal lineages, milky quartz, rock crystal, and Spondylus; the political power. The which held the religious and lids. Together with the beads were Greater Pyramid would power. The Temple found waste materials from stalks, and have been the institution of the Amphitheater would tools made from stone and bone. The archaeological evidence found conducted by the leading have been the scene of indicates that these rooms were used as political authority. religious ceremonies. THE LESSER RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX THE AMPHITHEATER TEMPLE (L Sector) workshops, where specialized handicraft (NN2 Sector) This walled complex was made up of several THE SMALL TEMPLE OF THE work was carried out to produce luxury This is the group of houses built in the architectural components. BENCH (N Sector) articles. lower half of the city. The area of each At the upper southwestern side of the circular This is a smaller building, some 150 CALENDAR CITY house is smaller than the area of the plaza, a set of 32 flutes was found; nearby, at meters west of the Amphitheater houses in the residential complex in the eastern side of the temple, a set of 38 horns Temple. It faces north. the upper half of the city, and they are was found. The city of Caral was probably conceived as a calendar. The body of an infant was found also distinguished by the smaller The size and location of this temple, the under the southern wall. Each public building was constructed in connection with a dimensions of the group as a whole. number of fireplaces in the ceremonial room, specific deity and astral position. In each building, One can interpret from this that their and its association with the amphitheater, multifunctional activities took place on a specific festive occupants were a small group and that imply that this was probably the main public they ranked lower in the city's building in Low Caral and one of the most date of the annual calendar. hierarchy than those of the upper half. important in the whole city. 30 31 The Sacred City of Caral CENTRAL PLAZA THE GREATER PYRAMID (E Sector) Holes seen on the ground here This is the pyramidal architectural complex of the were made by the posts of tents set greatest extension and volume in the city. up temporarily for the periodic THE LESSER PYRAMID (G Sector) Judging by its size, location, and its association trade fairs that must have taken E2 SECTOR This is east of the Greater Pyramid, and with the circular plaza, it must have been place at the times set by the Located east of the its facade in the Middle and Late periods L Caral's main public building. calendar of festivities. Public Greater Pyramid, it faces toward the Greater Pyramid. The functions taking place here were of contains two small facade of the Ancient period shows a a political, economic, and industrial pyramidal structures. completely different location, facing River starts, 26 km from the shore and at an elevation nature. north. Behind the pyramid on the east of 350 m.a.s.l., the city covers 66 hectares. It has a side are the residences associated with nuclear zone with 32 public buildings and several this public building. residential complexes, and an area on the edge or PLAZA OF LA HUANCA outskirts, bordering the valley, where several housing This is a kind of sub-space west of the complexes were built. Central Plaza. It is presided over by a 2.30 RESIDENTIAL SECTOR ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY m. monolith known as La Huanca driven (X Sector) into the ground in the space between the This is an extensive group of houses built on the terrace Pyramid of the Gallery, the Pyramid of La URBANISM AND TOWN PLANNING that borders the valley, between the nuclear area of the city Huanca, and the Lesser Pyramid. The and the cultivated fields. The houses are distributed in a monolith was an instrument used by the series of sub-groups or “islands” the length of the terrace; ancient inhabitants of Caral for The layout of the architectural structures they were adapted to the topography of the city and they astronomical studies and measurement of indicates an organized use of the space and a have very small rooms. Activities carried out here were of a time. domestic, social, and ritual nature. planned design of the city. Important criteria of From the location assigned to them, and the size of the social organization were taken into account, houses and their rooms, it can be deduced that they were THE GALLERY PYRAMID (H Sector) such as the hierarchy of the different social occupied by the class that provided Caral with its most This is located on the east side of the numerous labor force. central space, in the Plaza of La Huanca. strata and the symbolic divisions of the lineages; This building is third in size of Caral's religious criteria were also used, with regard to pyramidal buildings of Caral. Its extension, volume of construction, and the deities; and astronomic criteria influenced cultural material found here suggest that the orientation of the façades. THE QUARRY PYRAMID (B Sector) its conductors played an important role in This building was adapted to a natural rocky promontory. the city. The remains of a housing Its façades of the Middle and Late periods were oriented complex associated with this public Following the Andean traditional dual division, of toward the Greater Pyramid. To the south and west there building are seen on the lower-lying terrain Hanan (upper) and Hurin (lower), the nuclear area are housing complexes linked with this building. to the south. was divided into two main halves: High Caral, to the north, and Low Caral to the south. The city THE PYRAMID OF LA HUANCA (I Sector) had public buildings, houses, residential This is a rectangular building in the HOUSING UNITS B1, B2 and B5 extreme southeast of the upper half of the complexes, and plazas, organized around a large Located around the Quarry Pyramid, these houses city. Its façade faces the urban space that esplanade, which was used in a variety of ways were built with stone walls, plastered and painted, it shares with the Gallery Pyramid. The and finely finished. huanca monolith was most probably the over time. Judging by the location, the size of the houses, the axle that guided the orientation of the To construct the city, a complex system of labor construction material used, and the contexts, it has central staircase in the façade of this organization was adopted, with the capacity to been deduced that these were occupied by people building. who had a high social status and were linked with To the south is the residential complex execute large-scale projects, such as their the Quarry Pyramid. association with this construction. monumental pyramidal buildings; the authorities HIGH CARAL called on groups specializing in different fields: RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX I2 religious authorities, architects, engineers, THE GREATER RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX (A Sector) Composed of two large adjacent astronomers, and artisans with experience in This is a series of residential sub-groups, residences, with spacious, finely-finished constructed the length of a terrace which closes the LOW CARAL rooms. preparing mortars and clays, making shicra southern side of the Central Plaza, toward which the The high-ranking families responsible for bags, selecting the stones, and making paints, façades face. Based on the location of this housing the Pyramid of La Huanca lived here. They etc. They also scheduled the systematic complex, its architectural design, the size of the held an important social position in the structures and the construction material, as well as city. maintenance of their architectural structures. on the context of the finds, we suggest that the An interesting find was a ceremonial occupants of these houses ranked third in the quartz axe. hierarchical order of the inhabitants of the city of Caral. HANDICRAFT SPECIALIZATION WORKSHOP (J Sector) This is at the east edge of the lower half of HIGH CARAL LOW CARAL THE TEMPLE OF THE ROUND ALTAR (P Sector) the city. It is made up of three extensive Located in the lower half of the city, this is the second rectangular rooms. This half of the city, This was the half, largest in this area of the city. The western part has a Small hollows were found on the floor, possibly linked with apparently linked with round altar with a central fireplace and underground sealed with a layer of clay, which ventilation ducts. contained beads made of chrysocolla, patrilineal lineages, held matrilineal lineages, milky quartz, rock crystal, and Spondylus; the political power. The which held the religious and lids. Together with the beads were Greater Pyramid would power. The Temple found waste materials from stalks, and have been the institution of the Amphitheater would tools made from stone and bone. The archaeological evidence found conducted by the leading have been the scene of indicates that these rooms were used as political authority. religious ceremonies. THE LESSER RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX THE AMPHITHEATER TEMPLE (L Sector) workshops, where specialized handicraft (NN2 Sector) This walled complex was made up of several THE SMALL TEMPLE OF THE work was carried out to produce luxury This is the group of houses built in the architectural components. BENCH (N Sector) articles. lower half of the city. The area of each At the upper southwestern side of the circular This is a smaller building, some 150 CALENDAR CITY house is smaller than the area of the plaza, a set of 32 flutes was found; nearby, at meters west of the Amphitheater houses in the residential complex in the eastern side of the temple, a set of 38 horns Temple. It faces north. the upper half of the city, and they are was found. The city of Caral was probably conceived as a calendar. The body of an infant was found also distinguished by the smaller The size and location of this temple, the under the southern wall. Each public building was constructed in connection with a dimensions of the group as a whole. number of fireplaces in the ceremonial room, specific deity and astral position. In each building, One can interpret from this that their and its association with the amphitheater, multifunctional activities took place on a specific festive occupants were a small group and that imply that this was probably the main public they ranked lower in the city's building in Low Caral and one of the most date of the annual calendar. hierarchy than those of the upper half. important in the whole city. 30 31 Architectural components

HOUSING PUBLIC PYRAMIDAL BUILDINGS

Several residential sectors have been identified in the city. There are two typical categories: multifunctional In the Middle and Late periods, pyramidal buildings of groups; and houses attached to the pyramids. Their different sizes were built, position in relation to characteristics are in keeping with the social different groups of stars. Each building had a main distinctions among their occupants. body, with its highest part in the center, and other side bodies or wings, descending in height. The design of these buildings apparently mimics the figure of a bird with its wings open.

Location in the city TYPICAL ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF DIFFERENT TYPES Dimensions and number of rooms OF HOUSING Building technique and material MAIN STAIRWAY Cultural material found here This divides the main body and marks the axis which will serve to organize the rest of the building's components. It has two flights, separated by a landing.

STEPPED PLATFORMS These give the building volume, shape, and height; they are of different dimensions. In some cases they have rooms and TYPICAL ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS passage ways.

ANTECHAMBER 1. Ceremonial room with central fireplace. On the platform, located in front of the entrance to the ceremonial room.

CEREMONIAL ROOM 2. Room annexed behind the ceremonial room. Presided over by a central fireplace and surrounded by a series of platforms built like steps. Access to this room was restricted to the authorities, who had meetings here. Entry 3. Special room of restricted access. was by means of an impressive double-jamb doorway designed in the form of a cross or chacana (Andean cross).

RECESS OR ROOM BEHIND THE CEREMONIAL ROOM 4. Room annexed to the special one. Raised platform with two recesses on either side, following the central axis. 5. Side rooms for domestic and production activities. SPECIAL ROOM This symbolizes the building's principal function, either to impose authority, as in the case of the Greater Temple, which has an extensive platform; or for religious expression, as in 6. Complementary rooms. the case of the Amphitheater Temple, where there is a deep, narrow cell, possibly used in preparing religious sacrifices. 7. Small recesses, depots, and production store rooms. OTHER ROOMS AT THE TOP Constructed at the top of the building, on raised platforms, these rooms had benches, and in the Middle and Late 8. Associated quadrangular altar. periods they were decorated with niches.

ALTARS WITH UNDERGROUND DUCTS They may be circular or square; they have a fireplace with ventilation ducts, and platforms around them.

SUNKEN CIRCULAR PLAZA Plaza excavated and built with circular platforms and access stairways, located along the central axis of the pyramid. Only found in the buildings of the greatest importance.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES The terraces had stone walls with clay mortar and stone chips or smaller stones, and fills of shicras and stones. CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES Up until the Middle Period, some public buildings maintained rooms on the top built of poles, cane, and mud. In the In the early periods, most of the houses were built with frameworks of willow and guarango poles and cane, with panels of Late Period the use of cut stone blocks became widespread. The walls were plastered with clay and painted white, other plant material. In the Late period, cut granodiorite stones were used, bound with mud mortar. yellow, ochre, red, and black, depending on the period of construction of the city. The wall faces are plastered with clay and painted red, white, or yellow, depending on the period. As a means of reducing the amount of garbage and keeping the area near the houses clean, waste was periodically burned, and the resulting ash was used 32 in the construction fills of rooms, platforms, benches, or to raise a new floor. 33 Architectural components

HOUSING PUBLIC PYRAMIDAL BUILDINGS

STEPPED PLATFORMS These give the building volume, shape, and height; they are of different dimensions. In some cases they have rooms and TYPICAL ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS passage ways.

ANTECHAMBER 1. Ceremonial room with central fireplace. On the platform, located in front of the entrance to the ceremonial room.

ALTARS WITH UNDERGROUND DUCTS They may be circular or square; they have a fireplace with ventilation ducts, and platforms around them.

SUNKEN CIRCULAR PLAZA Plaza excavated and built with circular platforms and access stairways, located along the central axis of the pyramid. Only found in the buildings of the greatest importance.

THE PYRAMID OF LA HUANCA (I Sector) THE GALLERY PYRAMID (H Sector) Pyramidal structure with a typical stepped profile. Superimposed terraces. At the top, there are rooms constructed with THE GREATER PYRAMID (E Sector) At the top there is a group of rooms and a ceremonial room. The central wood and cane poles, with walls plastered and painted white, probably staircase, which leads to the top on the north side, is 5,5 m. Wide. belonging to the Middle period. There is a sunken circular plaza and an impressive stepped pyramid THE LESSER PYRAMID (G Sector) structure. This pyramid has stepped terraces, and at the THE BACK STAIRCASE THE UNDERGROUND GALLERY It has all the typical architectural components, including a square altar of fire top there are rooms and passages. with underground ventilation ducts. Aligned with the main staircase and the “huanca” monolith, this staircase This was built in the Late period, at the top. Entry is by means of a The façade, looking eastward, has a central connected the pyramidal building directly to the residences on the south narrow passage. The room has seven niches. When it was buried, the staircase 4,65 meters wide leading to the top. THE ROOM WITH NICHES side. people of Caral drove a stele-like monolith though the roof, and put At the top of the building. The niches were arranged in the walls in a “one flagstones on the ground, as well as a seat made out of a whale up, one down” pattern, forming faces. A platform also decorated with niches vertebra. occupies this room.

LENGTH 170,80 m E-W LENGTH LENGTH 54,06 m E-W LENGTH 68,48 m N-S WIDTH 149,69 m N-S WIDTH WIDTH 52,04 m N-S WIDTH 71,97 m E-W HEIGHT 19,27 m S HEIGHT HEIGHT 12,90 m HEIGHT 18,80 m 29,88 m S

LENGTH 25,96 m N-S 27,01 m N-S 44,01 m N-S LENGTH 157,39 m N-S WIDTH 10,96 m E-W LENGTH 44,08 m E-W WIDTH 65,63 m E-W WIDTH 81,60 m E-W HEIGHT 3,80 m 6,21 m HEIGHT 15,29 m HEIGHT 12,31 m

THE QUARRY PYRAMID (Sector B) THE AMPHITHEATER TEMPLE - L Sector THE PYRAMID OF THE ROUND ALTAR - P Sector This building partly incorporates a rocky outcrop of granodiorite. Architectural complex with different components, some of which are THE SMALL TEMPLE OF THE BENCH - N Sector This has a central body and two side wings. On the east side of the natural promontory a series of terraces were unique in that they are not found in the other public buildings in the city; Although smaller in size, this building is designed similarly to the for example, the platform with lateral cubicles, and the wall enclosing it. It has a main stairway, a ceremonial room, and other rooms at the top. other ones. It has an antechamber, a ceremonial room, back rooms constructed to reach the desired volume, and several rooms erected on The west component has two access stairways: one located to the southwest and them; the base of the west side was used as a quarry in ancient periods. and a patio. It also contains evidence of the different periods of BUILDING OF THE ELITE - L 13Sub-sector the other to the northwest, which led to the round altar. change. Built on the southeast side of the Amphitheater Temple, within the outer THE ROUND ALTAR THE ALTAR OF THE FIRE This was built in the Middle Period, and located at the top. It has a large wall that encloses this complex. A passage running south to north separates this housing from the Temple. Remarkably well conserved, this is a round altar with a fireplace and underground fireplace and underground rooms. Outside the house, to the north, there is a stairway that connected it with ducts. Vestiges of yellow, black, and red paint are seen here. The altar is 2,7 34 the Temple in the Late period. meters in diameter. 35 Pyramidal public buildings

LENGTH 170,80 m E-W LENGTH LENGTH 54,06 m E-W LENGTH 68,48 m N-S WIDTH 149,69 m N-S WIDTH WIDTH 52,04 m N-S WIDTH 71,97 m E-W HEIGHT 19,27 m S HEIGHT HEIGHT 12,90 m HEIGHT 18,80 m 29,88 m S

LENGTH 25,96 m N-S 27,01 m N-S 44,01 m N-S LENGTH 157,39 m N-S WIDTH 10,96 m E-W LENGTH 44,08 m E-W WIDTH 65,63 m E-W WIDTH 81,60 m E-W HEIGHT 3,80 m 6,21 m HEIGHT 15,29 m HEIGHT 12,31 m

M ULTIFUNCTIONAL RESIDENTIAL GROUPS

They contain many houses which form sub- groups separated from one another. In the case THE GREATER of the residential sector on the edge of the city, RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX THE LESSER RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX RESIDENTIAL SECTOR ON THE EDGE OF THE CITY the housing units are grouped in “islands.” A variety of activities were carried out here: Area of the complex 18 048,97 m2 4 987,07 m2 Sub-group of 622 m2 domestic, manufacturing, social, and ritual. Approximate area of the houses 614.65 m2 Houses range from 49 to 80 m2 19,36 m2 (house excavated)

Location in the city Upper Half of Caral Lower Half of Caral On the edge of the city

Nearby features Central Plaza and public Amphitheater Temple and other temples in Low Caral Cultivated areas and riverine vegetation buildings of High Caral

M ULTIFUNCTIONAL RESIDENCES OF THE OFFICIALS OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS

These houses were attached to each of the public buildings with which they were linked. Their location, size, construction techniques and fine finishing, as well as the cultural material found here, lead to the interpretation that these residences belonged to a high-status social group, who were probably the officials in charge LOCATION High Caral Low Caral of the pyramid buildings. Although they vary in size, these houses B1, B2 and B5 Residential Units mostly have larger dimensions than the HOUSES I2 Elite Residence H2 Residential Sector Q1 Residential Unit residences in the other sectors. They have spacious rooms with platforms, AREA B1: 155 m2 benches, fireplaces, and finely-finished House: 1 494 m2 114.16 m2 B2: 84 m2 121.23 m2 walls. B5: 360 m2 House: 2 216 m2

PUBLIC BUILDING Quarry Pyramid Pyramid of La Huanca Gallery Pyramid Pyramid of the Round Altar 36 37 Housing

M ULTIFUNCTIONAL RESIDENTIAL GROUPS

Location in the city Upper Half of Caral Lower Half of Caral On the edge of the city

Nearby features Central Plaza and public Amphitheater Temple and other temples in Low Caral Cultivated areas and riverine vegetation buildings of High Caral

M ULTIFUNCTIONAL RESIDENCES OF THE OFFICIALS OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS

PUBLIC BUILDING Quarry Pyramid Pyramid of La Huanca Gallery Pyramid Pyramid of the Round Altar 36 37 World view and ideology

A ll the activities of the inhabitants of Caral were, in one way or another, associated with ceremonies and rites. IDEOLOGY The people used to gather together in the plazas and ceremonial rooms (with All activities that took place in fireplaces) in public buildings and houses, the social, political, religious, where they made burned offerings, placed economic, scientific, etc., areas objects in the niches, and they buried hair, of life were linked with each fragments of quartz, and other articles that other. Religious leaders were, at were of special value to them. the same time, political leaders, specializing in astronomy or medicine, among other subjects. The lords were mediators A WAY OF LOOKING AT between the social group they THE WORLD belonged to and the supernatural power of the gods. Religion was a highly effective instrument for The Caral society had a world view in harmony ensuring the cohesion of the with their geographic environment and natural people but it was also a tool for resources, and also with space and the coercion. It guaranteed political heavenly bodies. They kept the dimensions of power, the hierarchy, and social natural phenomena in perspective, and order. The people participated in therefore considered human beings in their the ceremonies conducted true condition, that is, as part of nature and of according to a calendar fixed by the universe. Accordingly, they assumed the authorities, and they spent responsibility for the conservation of their their lives working to serve their environment. gods and their authorities, who This philosophy was expressed in the actions acted as representatives of the of individuals within their family circle, in their gods. relationships with other members of their community, in the broader social context to which they belonged, and in their dealings with other societies.

MARKING TIME AND THE CALENDAR OF CEREMONIAL ACTIVITIES

The authorities summoned people to gather together from the valley or from a specific area for the celebration of religious acts, according to a calendar regulated by astronomical observation. During the celebrations, different activities were carried out: public ceremonies, with the participation of musicians; trade fairs; remodeling of buildings, etc., all of which involved the participation of society as a whole.

38 39 World view and ideology

MARKING TIME AND THE CALENDAR OF CEREMONIAL ACTIVITIES

38 39 Myths, ceremonies, rites and offerings OFFERINGS

A large part of the archaeological material CONCEPTION OF BUILDINGS recovered was found in contexts of offerings. There are recurrent finds of vegetable Because of the features of the construction conglomerates and quartz fragments, mussels history of each building, it can be interpreted RELIGIOUS PARAPHERNALIA ICONOGRAPHY and food, arranged in a certain order and buried; that society conceived the architectural structure in many cases, they are burned. as a living being that was passing though cyclic changes but it had an end. When the end came, Those in charge of ceremonies used Among the most frequent designs in Caral, it was buried. symbolic objects and specialized utensils, the spiral stands out since it appears RECURRENT COMPONENTS according to the type of celebration. carved on stones, bones and mollusks; They used quartz, flutes, figurines, other designs are the Andean cross or GOD'S EYES Birth Construction of a few but spacious Vegetables Willow leaves and stalks mollusks, anchovy, and burned fabrics, "chacana", birds, fishes intertwined with rooms. Arrowroot leaves Location of finds Lesser Residential Sector - NN2 together with locks of human hair. Objects birds, felines, monkeys and serpents, Pacay leaves and pods in the form of inhalers have also been anthropoid faces and various geometric Chili pepper seeds Description These are objects made by weaving Reproduction The rooms were sub-divided, found, fashioned from camelid bone and figures. These designs are also found in Cotton seeds colored cotton threads or vegetable fibers progressively as long as the the geoglyphs. Cabuya cactus fiber (sisal) containers made out of the shell of the around a base of two reed twigs in the building existed. The spaces Sweet potato Giant South American Snail from the jungle Structural motifs are characteristic in form of a cross. They have been found in became reduced to a minimum Horsetail (Megalobulimus spp.). fabrics and also in architecture. For offering contexts, in buried rooms or in size. example, designs of human faces are Mate gourds special holes. A surprising find was that of masticated Pumpkin or squash plants, with tooth marks imprinted on them. formed with small niches, and there are Guava Sources of information from the Callejón de doorways in the form of a cross, and walls Death Burial ceremonies were held, Conchucos (Ancash) have identified them with a stepped profile. Fish Anchovies Interpretation This symbolic object is used to the which included the placing of a Sardines as leaves of "jirca coca", a plant that grows present day in the jungle communities of series of offerings during the above 3,500 m.a.s.l. Its botanical name the Shipibo and Cashiba people; they rituals. The room was completely Mollusks Mussels would be Senecio spp. wear them inserted in their headdresses covered with construction fill Clams Offerings have also been discovered, during festivities. material. composed of numerous shells of the These artifacts represent the conception Mineral Quartz fragments of the world, in combination with Scutalus proteus snail which lives in astronomical knowledge, cultivated by deserts in association with the Peruvian Human remains Locks of hair the experts; their use would have been Torch Cactus (here called the San Pedro full of symbolism. During the remodeling of the building, offerings cactus -- Trichocereus pachanoi), known for Artifacts Clay figurines were also placed in the fill material as part of the its hallucinatory properties and for its Textiles ritual of change and renewal. Shicra bags Combining incinerated objects and products with traditional consumption during religious Beads made of bone rituals. The snails would have eaten and “God's eyes” the new construction materials symbolized the assimilated mescaline and other alkaloids continuity of the old in the new; this was as another from the cacti. means of strengthening the cultural identity of the users.

Accumulation of willow stalks Quartz fragments Compacted clay wrapped in and leaves with mussel valves root bark of a dicotyledon

Snails Inhalers Worked wood

Conglomerate of fiber of a Conglomerate of liber of a species of the Poaceae especies of the Poaceae family family

"Masticated”

Anthropoid figurines Willow The Caral people periodically painted the walls and Symbolic of unbaked clay floors of public buildings and houses. The succession objects God´s eyes of bone of white, yellow, yellow-ochre, red, and once again white Accumulation of willow leaves has been identified; these colors probably had cultural Conglomerate of fiber of a and stalks with fibers of brown species of the Poaceae cotton significance, as yet unknown. family

40 41 Myths, ceremonies, rites and offerings OFFERINGS

Accumulation of willow stalks Quartz fragments Compacted clay wrapped in and leaves with mussel valves root bark of a dicotyledon

Snails Inhalers Worked wood

Conglomerate of fiber of a Conglomerate of liber of a species of the Poaceae especies of the Poaceae family family

"Masticated”

40 41 Multiple offerings ART AND MUSIC, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN CARAL SOCIETY

Three sets of musical wind instruments were found, which bear witness to groups of musicians in the society of Caral-Supe. The wind instruments were MULTIPLE OFFERING IN THE GALLERY PYRAMID associated with snails used as percussion instruments. T Religious and social activities were combined with music; specialized groups with many different would have been in charge of this elaborate artistic expression. Art played an The Gallery Pyramid -H components. They have Location of the find important role in the people's activities, a tradition that has formed part of the cultural heritage of Andean societies of all times. mineral elements, such as Description Components: Rattle made of sea snails quartz, as well as vegetables, -Musical instruments. Three antaras or pan pipes Quipu feathers, basketry, cotton made of reed (Phragmites australis); one of them textiles, and a variety of has three tubes, another two tubes, and the third objects. The contents are five tubes. Two fragments of pan pipes were also profoundly symbolic. They are found, made of an unknown material. -12 objects that look like balls, wrapped in nets and SETS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN CARAL-SUPE associated with an artifact fibers of totora reeds and rushes. consisting of planks of wood -Quipu. Gimped* elements made out of rushes hang tied together like a litter. from a yellowish-brown cotton cord; they are held at the base with threads of cabuya fiber and reddish- Find 32 FLUTES 38 HORNS 4 PAN PIPES brown cotton. Knotted cotton cords, reddish-brown and yellowish-brown in color, come from the gimped The Gallery Pyramid. Location Southeastern corner of the North-eastern side of the elements. (*Gimped yarn differs from twisted yarn Amphitheater Amphitheater Temple Carrizo reeds (Phragmites in that the core yarn does not twist with the yarn australis) that is wrapped around it). Raw material Bones of pelican (Pelecanus Bones of guanaco (Lama Cotton threads (Gossypium -Set of sea snails (Oliva peruviana). Pan pipes thagus) and condor (Vultur guanicoe) and deer barbadense) -Feather necklace, made with gimped cotton threads gryphus) (Odoicoileus virginianus) that hold the feather in place. -Crab bag, made with plant fibers: cabuya, cotton, Decorations These flutes bear designs of Parallel bands incised on the Designs with cotton and stalks of cane and rushes. supernatural beings, combined instruments threads -Sandal, made out of cabuya fiber and cotton. with zoomorphic features of -Small crown, made with fiber of a species of the monkeys, felines, serpents, Cyperaceae or Sedge family. eagles, and condors, as well as -Baskets, made using the twisted cord technique on a human being. The flutes are grouped according to the stalks of a species of the Cyperaceae or Sedge designs they have in common. family. The position of the sub-groups - Bags made of plant fibers, shicras. within the group reflects the Sandal -Manufactured cotton textile using the twisted cord Feather necklace social organization and technique, with fringes. religious organization. -Litter made of fragments of the floral axes of MULTIPLE OFFERING IN THE LESSER DISTINGUISHING FEATURES RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX cabuya, the ends of which are held together by PER PAIRS cords of rush fiber and cotton. Location of Lesser Residential Sector - Nn2 -Other associated elements: two chewed plant -Two have red paint the find fibers, five seeds of Lima bean, 110 Giant Mussel -Two have triangular designs valves, fragments of freshwater prawn; yellow, on the body Description Components: green, and brown feathers; cactus needles held -Two have half a human face, which is completed when the Offering composed of floral axes of the together with threads; a lock of human hair; eight two instruments are placed cabuya (agave), leaves of arrowroot, ice- fragments of quartz: a bundle of fiber, possibly together cream pod, and willow, cabuya fiber, balls of cabuya; a fragment of net with single knotting, with Crab trap Litter Studies have shown that up to brown cotton, and a cotton bag with quartz yellow and brown feathers tied on with cabuya Packet of feathers fragments in it; also a round basketry object. threads. Skein of cotton thread. seven different sounds can be obtained

Balls of plant fibers

Lima Chewed fibers Baskets Fragments of quartz beans

Flutes Horns 42 43 Multiple offerings ART AND MUSIC, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN CARAL SOCIETY

Balls of plant fibers

Lima Chewed fibers Baskets Fragments of quartz beans

Flutes Horns 42 43 Human figurines and modes of attire Clothing

The study of the clay figurines has made it possible to identify typical garments, such as cloaks, loin cloths, and headdresses.

Although 5,000 years have gone by, some I MEN n several of Caral's structures, more than a WOMEN clothes have also been found, made out of hundred figurines representing human beings colored cotton, which give us a better idea have been found. They are made of unbaked of how the ancient inhabitants of Caral Men of low social status clay, and they range from 4,7 to 10,5 Hair below shoulder length; dressed. centimeters in height. the front part is cut in a step- wore their hair in They come from ceremonial contexts. like design. shoulder-length ringlets. These figurines, mostly broken, and with None of the women have Men of high status certain parts missing (arms, legs, or head), plaits, which had traditionally shaved the front of their were used in rituals associated with the been assumed to be the way head, and had their hair WOMAN'S DRESS renovation of the buildings, and also in Andean women wore their hair. done in different styles. fertility rites. They probably substituted There is an interesting Location of find The Gallery Pyramid human beings in ritual sacrifices. similarity between the way A study of the figurines is yielding Caral's women, possibly those Materials Cotton fiber of high class, and the “collas” information about the dress, headdress, and Technique Twisting of alternate pairs hairstyles of the characters represented; in the time of the Incas wore different styles can be distinguished, which their hair: both used mantillas Measurements 100 x 135 cm point to differences of gender, age, and social to cover their hair from half- position. The figurines reflect a complex way back on the head to below Design The neck opening is in social structure. the shoulders, and pinned the button-hole form, and mantilla over their dress with a there is an opening at the tupu. sleeves, which fall to the sides, displaying the same loose cut as the dress.

HEADDRESSES

Among the head adornments, two circular headdresses made with the link-and-twist technique have been found one of them made out of totora reed and rush fiber and the other out of Cyperaceae sedge fiber and cotton thread. Two wooden combs have also been found.

HAIR STYLES SANDAL RECONSTRUCTION OF HAIR STYLES. PROCESS. Location The Gallery Pyramid The figurines show details of find of hair styles and headdresses. Both men Materials Cotton and cabuya fiber and women have long hair, Hairstyles elaborately styled, with from the Technique Peruvian Twisting and knotting fringes, sideburns, shaved jungle. parts, pony tails, and high Measurements 19 x 8 cm chignons or topknots. They use hair bands and Local Design The sole is decorated around mantillas. inhabitants. the edge with brown cords, and a fastener, knotted to the sole at three points in a triangular shape. Sculptures of the people Reproduction Collection of pictures Testing and their hair styles Observation and sketching of the figurines using real hair 44 45 Human figurines and modes of attire Clothing

The study of the clay figurines has made it possible to identify typical garments, such as cloaks, loin cloths, and headdresses.

HEADDRESSES

RESEARCH STUDY RESULTS RESEARCH STUDY RESULTS

Physica Analysis of Almost complete skeleton. No signs of deformity. Hand bones Facial Morphology of the skull Dolichocephalism, regular T Archaeology the skeleton incomplete: some phalanges missing, but there is no sign of appearance protuberance of the mandibular region cutting. (gnation, gonion, and supramental). Caral. The adult man found in the Greater Temple is therefore, at Missing: some phalanges of feet and hands; sternum; axis. Triangular facial angle. present, a unique case; he must have been linked with the Sex: Male Extreme-descending protuberance of importance of this building and with the social circumstances that Age: Young adult, about 20 years old. parietals occurred, by coincidence, for his sacrifice. A series of studies and analyses have made it possible to make Pathologies -Precarious health in infancy (spongio-hyper-orthosis, cibra Anthropology Facial features of young Frontal: some progress in interpreting his role in society, his health, his orbitalia, and enamel hypoplasia, as well as profuse oral men in present local -Small, sloping forehead physical appearance, and his death. pathology) caused by a diet lacking in iron (chronic infant population studied -Semi-populated eyebrows, sparse at anemia). Prolonged breastfeeding. 17-27 years old the tail (a third) -Precocious osteoarthritis of the lower and lumbar spine, a (Supe - Barranca) -Furtive eyes, with outside angle pathology associated with a chronic trauma of labor origin, smaller than internal angle such as carrying excessively heavy weights for a prolonged -Straight nose, well formed in nasion period of time. and dorso (drooping nostrils) -Lesions in the phalangic metatarsal articulations of both feet - Darwinian ears, with the top edge RESEARCH STUDY RESULTS (osteochondritis dissecans), a pathology presented by young semi-tucked toward the front and lower people who repeatedly strain their articulations. auditory part Archaeology Archaeological Found between a layer of earth -Thin lips with slightly upward excavation and stones, deposited for semicircular interlabial insertion burying the ceremonial room Fractures Three signs of fractures and/or blows: -Angular, triangular chin. during a period of architectural -He first received a blow in the face, which caused his incisors -Thin straight hair. renovation of the Greater to fall out. Evidence of this is that the alveolus bone had Profile: Pyramid. The body was naked, started to reform approximately 15 days before his death. -Small forehead with insertion of the -Then he received another blow, which caused two fractures in and had its arms stretched and small square type (middle third) the occiput (back of the head) which were probably the cause crossed behind it. It bore no -Sparse outer eyebrows of his death. -Nose with depression in nasion and offering. -Finally, a small frontal fracture. straight dorso (triangular nasal lobe) -Upper lip slightly small in comparison Cause of There is sufficient evidence to propose that this individual was with the lower lip death sacrificed, based on the cranial-encephalitic traumas and the -Angular-pointed chin transverse position in which the body was found (arms cross behind the back)

The conditions of his spine and his feet suggest that this was a Interpretation person who either used to carry building materials for the construction and remodeling of the temples, or who carried goods long distances for trading purposes. He probably belonged to the working class of the stratified Supe society.

FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION PROCESS Positioning of muscles, Physical features and Hair based on the vestiges of his hair Exact replica of Two-dimensional study, in accordance with coloring according to study found curled and held in place with archaeological craniometrical points for of local population and cotton threads. Comparative photographic superimposition of skull. skull and facial features, illustration Indo-American possible state of health at reference was made to a figurine with and detail of particular features. populations. the time of his death. typical male hair style, with a simple cut and curly hair.

46 47 Human sacrifice in the Greater Temple

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46 47 HOW TO REACH CARAL? Geographic location

The archaeological site of Caral is in the department of Lima, province of Barranca, district of Supe, in the middle valley of the Supe River, on the north-central coast of Peru. It is situated on an alluvial terrace on the left bank of the river, at an altitude of 350 m.a.s.l. The climate is temperate. The river has water only in the summer months, but groundwater seepage occurs in the area because of the shallow water table.

On arrival at Caral, you will find specialized personnel in the reception area (where there is ample parking space) who can guide you around the site. You can also buy publications about Caral, postcards, and a variety of other souvenirs. The From Lima, the way to the Sacred City of way is signposted with Caral is north along the Pan-American information panels in Spanish Highway as far as kilometer 184, a little before and English. the town of Supe, where two signboards indicate the turn-off to the road to Ambar, which leads to the archaeological site. Follow the packed dirt road parallel to the course of the Supe River. After 23 km, you will come to an arrow pointing to the way across the river, to the Oldest City in the Americas.

The other route to Caral, when the river PACIFIC OCEAN is full of water in the summer months (January to April) is a packed dirt road that turns off the North Pan-American Highway at kilometer 159, a few kilometers from Végueta. From this point it is 28 km to Caral. LEGEND This road can be used throughout RoRoadad for VeguetaSupe ArchaeologicalSupe River site of Caral the year. Capital of districtprovince

ISBN 9972-9738-4-0

9789972 973840