The Archaeological Site of Huajramarca: A Glimpse into the Huari Ethnic Group
Huajramarca, also known as Huacramarka, is a significant archaeological site located in the district of Chacas, within the province of Asunción, Áncash region, Peru. Positioned on a mountain bearing the same name, this site offers a unique insight into the lives of the Huari ethnic group. The site’s geographical setting is southwest of the city of Chacas, near the town of Huallin, at an impressive altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level. The name Huajramarca derives from the Ancashino Quechua words “waqra” meaning horn, and “marka” meaning village, reflecting the site’s cultural and geographical characteristics.
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Historical Context of Huajramarca
The occupation of Huajramarca began during the Late Intermediate period, around 1200 AD, immediately following the decline of the Wari Empire. This settlement was strategically located at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, atop a hill that provided a commanding view of the Potaca and Vesuvius valleys. The absence of a centralized state administrative center in this region, akin to Huilcahuaín for the Callejón de Huaylas, led to the local populations forming small, isolated tribes. These tribes engaged in separate productive activities and practiced barter with other settlements in the area.
It is believed that a significant portion of Huajramarca’s inhabitants were dedicated to herding auquenids in the Potaca River valley. The main tribes, united by language, customs, and religion, were organized into kingdoms or lordships, leading to the formation of the Huari lordship. Alongside the lordships of Pincos, Piscobambas, Sihuas, and Conchucos, the Huari lordship contributed to the establishment of the nation of the Conchucos, located in the current territory of the Eastern Sierra of Áncash.
Significance of Huajramarca
The archaeological site of Huajramarca provides valuable insights into the socio-political and economic structures of the Huari ethnic group and their interactions with neighboring settlements. The strategic location of the settlement, its organization into tribes and lordships, and the practice of barter highlight the adaptive strategies employed by the Huari people in response to their environment and the absence of a centralized administrative system.
Furthermore, the site’s elevation and its role in herding activities underscore the importance of auquenids in the economic and social life of the Huari ethnic group. The formation of the nation of the Conchucos, through the unification of various lordships, illustrates the complex socio-political landscape of the region during the Late Intermediate period.
In conclusion, the archaeological site of Huajramarca offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Huari ethnic group and their contributions to the cultural and historical fabric of the Áncash region. The study of this site not only enriches our understanding of pre-Columbian societies in Peru but also highlights the intricate relationships between geography, economy, and social organization in the Andean highlands.
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