Intercultural relations in Northern Peru: the north central highlands during the Middle Horizon

Abstract

This contribution surveys the emergence and character of the Middle Horizon in Peru’s north highlands. It centers on Ancash department, a region with a rich and unique archaeological record for contextualizing interaction during the period. My discussion begins by detailing the sequence and variability of interregional interaction in Ancash Department during the latter half of the 1st millennium AD. Then I will examine the general implications of the available data – especially architecture, long distance goodsand ceramic style – with a view to identify current difficulties and to encourage future problem-oriented investigations. Two terms help contextualize the cultural dynamism of the Middle Horizon: bundling (purposeful acquisition and clustering of objects from long-distance) and vector (a distinct cultural predisposition facilitating interaction). Although there is evidence of Wari contact before imperial expansion, trade interaction increased dramatically during the early Middle Horizon, focused on ‘bundled’ patterns of acquisition. These were followed by new exchange orientations and stylistic emulation. There is very little evidence to indicate territorial control, but Wari strategies highlighted the rich areas of western Ancash, while apparently de-emphasising EasternAncash. Religion and prestige economies appear to have been the most common factors for local engagements with Wari culture.