The Archaeological Site of La Galgada: A Ceremonial Monument in the Andean Pre-Ceramic Period
La Galgada, an archaeological site in Peru, serves as a significant example of a ceremonial monument within the Kotosh Religious Tradition during the Pre-Ceramic, or Late Archaic period of Andean history. This period, characterized by increasing societal complexity and the construction of monumental ceremonial centers, marks a pivotal era in the development of Andean civilization.
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Historical Background: The Andean Pre-Ceramic Period
Following the Lithic Period, the Pre-Ceramic Period, also known as the Late Archaic Period, witnessed a rise in population levels and societal complexity. This era is distinguished by the construction of monumental ceremonial centers across the Andean region, indicative of a society capable of organizing large building projects. Despite these advancements, the Pre-Ceramic Period was marked by the absence of ceramic technology, agriculture, or domesticated flora and fauna, with communities relying on hunting and gathering for sustenance. However, evidence suggests the intentional cultivation of some wild plants began during this period.
Locality
La Galgada is located on the eastern bank of the Tablachaca River, in the Tauca District of Pallasca Province, Peru. The site, at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level, was first occupied around 3000 BCE by agricultural communities. These communities focused more on constructing ceremonial and mortuary monuments than on their own dwellings, a common approach in pre-modern societies. At least 11 settlements were established in the Tablachaca Canyon, indicating that La Galgada was a significant ceremonial and burial area in a densely populated district.
Architecture
The most prominent architectural features at La Galgada are the North and South Mounds, which underscore the site’s ceremonial significance. These mounds, along with other structures, reflect the architectural ingenuity and labor management capabilities of the Pre-Ceramic Andean communities.
Burials
La Galgada also functioned as a mortuary site. The burial practices at the site exhibited both continuity and variation, with differences in the position and preparation of the burials. Notably, the burial chamber designated as F-12:B-2 contained a male and two females, all over the age of 50, buried in tightly flexed positions. The inclusion of items such as cotton bags, baskets, gourd vessels, and barkcloth in the burials suggests a belief in the spiritual power of these materials.
Archaeological Investigation
The archaeological value of La Galgada was recognized in the 1960s, leading to measures to protect the site from looters. Terence Grieder of the University of Texas, after visiting the site in 1969, initiated an excavation project in 1978 that continued until 1985. This project revealed the site’s Pre-Ceramic date and provided valuable insights into the societal and cultural practices of the period.
La Galgada stands as a testament to the architectural and ceremonial sophistication of Andean societies during the Pre-Ceramic Period. The site’s significance lies not only in its monumental structures but also in its role as a mortuary site, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of early Andean communities.
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