Subsistence Economies in Marginal Areas with Natural Constraints

Chapter 11 reviews research at Bayovar-01, a site in the Sechura Desert of far northern Peru that dates to the transition between the Early Intermediate Period and the Middle Horizon (roughly between 550 and 770 cal AD). Situated in front of a paleolagoon that was only wet occasionally, the authors suggest that Bayovar-01 was a specialized fishing and fish preparation site exporting to other areas by llama caravans.

The Nasca Culture

The Nasca culture of the Early Intermediate Period was the first large, complex, regional integrated society centered in the region. This chapter explores the nature of complexity during the Nasca culture and presents new data from La Tiza that challenges previous interpretations. Issues of subsistence practices, irrigation, trade, economic organization, and craft production are covered along with an in-depth discussion of religion and the practices surrounding the geoglyphs and trophy head taking. The data from La Tiza are presented and, based on this evidence, it is argued that population was larger, settlements were more varied, and the civilization was more hierarchical and politically integrated than some scholars have suggested. Religion and ritual practices played a key role in the formation and expansion of this culture, with ceremonial centers and religious leaders at the center of the power structure for much of the period.