Les monticules artificiels du piémont occidental des Andes équatoriennes

Abstract

The research project, begun in 1992, is a contribution to the little-studied material and cultural history of the western Andes piedmonts in Ecuador. The tropical area where our research is being carried out includes numerous ecological niches and natural resources. This topography has stimulated ancient peopling of this territory (since at least 6.000 B. C.) and given rise to human adaptation to this humid environment, prompting the development of housing adapted to the specific conditions. As a compulsory path from the Costa to the Sierra and from North to South, the Andean piedmont therefore is at the junction of communication routes which encourage exchanges.

Keywords

• archaeology
• artificial hillocks
• chronology
• Ecuador
• modes of setting-up
• tolas