Prehistoric Metallurgy of the Mantaro Valley, Peru

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Beginning ca. 1,000 A.D., the Yanamarca Valley, located in the central Peruvian highlands, saw the rise of a complex civilization which was eventually conquered and incorporated into the Inca Empire. Years of excavation by a team of American archaeologists has resulted in a detailed reconstruction of this process and recovery of cultural materials from a series of sites which span this interval. Included among these are objects fashioned from silver and lead together with ores, slag, and manufacturing debris. These provide an unprecedented opportunity to gain insight into prehistoric Andean metallurgical practices. Working together, Dr. Ann LeHuray and Ms. Ellen Howe will conduct a metallographic, chemical, and lead-isotope study of the silver and lead metal objects and a lead-isotope study of nearby potential sources of ore. This will allow them to describe the types of ores exploited, the manufacturing processes used, and patterns of exchange. These can be followed over time and the effects of incorporation into the Inca empire can be determined. Many archaeologists have speculated on the mechanisms used by empires to incorporate subjugated populations. Some argue that the Inca allowed local groups a high degree of autonomy while others believe that basic changes in economic and social organization took place. However, it has been extremely difficult to collect information to test these alternatives. The metallurgical study by LeHuray and Howe will help to fill the gap because it will be possible to see whether new fabrication techniques are introduced and new sources of ore used. Thus, examination of metallurgical technology will provide insight into social context. This research is important because it will increase our understanding of how empires develop and maintain their control. It will also shed new light on the history of metallurgy and the role of technology in relatively simple societies.