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Evidence for Interpersonal Violence or Human Sacrifice? The Case Study of Amato, ACARí Valley, Peru

Howell, Britteny Marie
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1179248753

Abstract Details

2007, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Anthropology.
Human decapitation of the South Coast of Peru can be interpreted in a number of ways, including ancestor worship, ritual sacrifice, trophies of battle, or raiding. A literature review of Nasca archaeology precedes an analysis of the newly excavated Early Intermediate Period site of Amato, in the Acar’ Valley, Peru, which has potential to assist in determining the nature of early South Coast decapitations. This study assesses remains (n=37) recovered during the 2005 field season at Amato. Thirty-six human skeletons are missing their skulls and at least the first two cervical vertebrae, but otherwise, the integrity of skeletal articulations suggests primary burial. Cutmark evidence on the remaining cervical vertebrae is fully consistent with decapitation. This analysis indicates that the age and sex distribution is not consistent with the war trophy or the ancestor worship hypotheses, but suggests instead that the remains are victims of a violent raid or ritual sacrifice.
Dr. Alan Sullivan, III (Advisor)
153 p.
Early Intermediate Period; decapitation; mass burial; trophy heads; nasca

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Howell, B. M. (2007). Evidence for Interpersonal Violence or Human Sacrifice? The Case Study of Amato, ACARí Valley, Peru [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1179248753

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Howell, Britteny. Evidence for Interpersonal Violence or Human Sacrifice? The Case Study of Amato, ACARí Valley, Peru. 2007. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1179248753.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Howell, Britteny. "Evidence for Interpersonal Violence or Human Sacrifice? The Case Study of Amato, ACARí Valley, Peru." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1179248753

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1179248753
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© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.