The Evolution of Authority and Power at Chavin de Huantar, Peru

Abstract

The Early Horizon type site of Chavín de Huántar, located in the north-central Andes of modern Peru, is distinguished by a long sequence of construction, as well as outstanding features such as abundant lithic art, use of cut stone in construction, a complex of underground gallery systems, and exceptional alteration of local land forms. This chapter explores the implications of these characteristics for the evolution of power and authority at this site across the later Initial Period and Early Horizon (approximately 1300 to 600 B.C.). Particular attention is focused on the concepts of power and authority in relation to religious belief systems and the intrinsic factors that might have connected the site's characteristics to a developing system for convincing populations to increasingly accept the dominance of a priestly leadership. These characteristics argue that not only were the emerging authorities at Chavín exceptionally creative in their manipulation of the human mind through landscape, architecture, images, sound, light, and the use of psychoactive drugs but also that this apparent highly planned ritual context demonstrates the very intentional and conscious strategies employed in the transformation of early politico-religious organization.

Over three millennia of mercury pollution in the Peruvian Andes

“…1). Chavín influenced much of the Peruvian Andes at its apogee, and represents the cradle of complex Andean culture (16,17). High-status burials at Chavín de Huántar, and other Early Horizon sites, commonly contain prestigious materials including gold adorned with vermillion (17,18)…”

Chavín de Huántar and Its Sphere of Influence

“…The supernatural or priestly figures also sometimes grasp weapons. This wall frieze has been interpreted as a representation of the mythical charter underlying the ceremonies in the patio, and the likelihood that such activities were actually carried out there receives support from the discovery of actual Strombus shell trumpets from a subterranean gallery (Galería de las Caracolas) adjacent to the patio (Rick 2005). These large conch shells had been cut and drilled so that they could serve as musical instruments and they showed heavy traces of use.…”

“…However, with the re-establishment of peace in the country, field investigations were re-initiated by U.S. archaeologist John Rick in 1995. His research program was originally designed to produce a detailed map of the public architecture but it subsequently expanded into an extensive program of excavations in the public center and eventually was extended to the ancient residential zone of La Banda on the other side of the Mosna River (Kembel and Rick 2004;Rick et al 1998;Rick 2005).…”

"The Only True People": Linking Maya Identities Past and Present

“…Prehispanic class differences are noted by material differentials in wealth and power structures (e.g., Rick 2005). Archaeologically, ancient Maya classes are most easily identified by the social context of, and quantitative differences in, access to labor, wealth, imports, and cultural capital 6 (e.g., Abrams 1989; Blanton et al 1996;Chase 1992;DeMarrais, Castillo, and Earle 1996;Hendon 1991;Marcus 1993;Sanders 1992:280;Scarborough 2005;Sharer 1993:94;Willey et al 1965;Willey and Leventhal 1979;also White [1999] for additional dietary evidence).…”