wku logo

ANTH 336  New World Prehistory
Dr. Darlene Applegate
Fall 2006
Andean South America Culture Area
Moche State



Considered by most archaeologists to be the first state-level society in Andean South America.

 
TIME PERIOD

200 BC - AD 600

Early Intermediate Period


LOCATION

northern coast of Peru

centered in Moche Valley

influence spanned multiple river valleys state including Santa Valley


ORIGINS

may be related to control of trade, mobilization of work force, and/or unifying religion


SUBSISTENCE

agriculture based on large-scale irrigation systems

use of marine resources


DIAGNOSTIC ARTIFACTS

Moche or Mochica art style:

mostly depicted on ceramics and in textiles

red is dominant color

portrait vessels or head pots:

depictions of the heads and faces of individuals of high rank


SETTLEMENT STRATEGY

Moche Valley settlement involved ceremonial centers sustained by surrounding farmsteads

Santa Valley involved larger sites, hilltop "castles" and shrines, and valley ceremonial centers

monumental architecture includes pyramids and irrigation systems
 

SITES

Moche: largest adobe structures in Peru are Huaca del Sol and de la Luna

Sipan: elaborate tombs of elite Moche individuals

Galindo

Cerro Arena


POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

first Peruvian state

Moche Valley: centralized power shifted among ceremonial centers

Santa Valley: small, equal fiefdoms controlling trade routes surrounded by agricultural lands; corvee or conscripted labor system used to mobilize workers



Return to Unit 4 Web Notes Listing
Return to New World Prehistory Home Page

Visit the Western Kentucky University Home Page, Western Online
Page composed by Darlene Applegate, darlene.applegate@wku.edu
Last updated on December 7, 2006
All contents copyright (c), 2006. Western Kentucky University.