La cerámica Blanco sobre Rojo en el valle de Chancay y sus relaciones con el estilo Lima

Abstract

In the present article, we present the results of the archaeological investigations at Baños de Boza, Chancay Valley, made in 1997. This one of the few known sites with public monumental architecture ascribed to the initial phases of Early Intermediate Period that are characterized by the White-on-Red pottery tradition. Our main interest was to investigate the White-on-Red chronology in the lower Chancay valley through stratigraphic information and to compare the resulting sequence with other chronological schemes from Peru's central coast. As a result of the research, we define a six phase architectural sequence which indicate functional changes at he site. The three first phases reflect domestic use of the site with a high volume of cultural remains. The following phases are caracterized by the building of large plataform walls made of plain-convex adobe. In terms of the pottery, we have developed a four phase sequence for the White-on-Red style, which correlates with the Mirimar phase proposed by Patterson (1961-1966), and is closely related to the architectural developments at he site. Finally, another interesting theme was the transicional period between the White-on-Red and Lima cultures. Considering that the slight evidence of Lima ocupation at Baños de Boza, we review the stratigraphic information from Cerro Trinidad and Playa Grande. By observing the obvious differences among White-on-Red and Lima styles, we presume that Lima doesn’t derive stylistically from White-on-Red in the Chancay Valley but rather that it is a foreign element introduced from the outside. Moreover, the two styles coexist for a period of time.

Keywords

• Early Intermediate Period
• White-on-Red
• horizon
• stratigraphy
• seriation
• plain-convex adobe