Conflicto y decapitación humana en Amato (valle de Acarí, Perú)

Valdez, Lidio M.

Conflicto y decapitación humana en Amato (valle de Acarí, Perú)

Author

Valdez, Lidio M.

Date

2009

Keywords

Acari, south coast, Early Intermediate period, human decapitation

Abstract (summary)

In this article I present the results of the recent archaeological excavations carried out at Amato, a site established during the early phases of the Early Intermediate Period (ca. AD 1-350) in the Acari Valley, of the south coast of Peru. The findings consist of several dozen human skeletons, some of which are partially mummified. The main feature of the collection is that the skeletons present unmistakable signs of decapitation. In addition to the absence of the skulls, the upper cervical vertebra present cut marks indicating decapitation. The human remains include individuals of all ages and both sexes. Many of the remains were uncovered with ropes around their wrists and ankles, suggesting that they were treated as captives before their decapitation. Finally, additional information is discussed in this paper in order to argue that the early phases of the Early Intermediate Period were violent. Due to such stress, settlements established in the valley at this time were provided with defensive systems.

Publication Information

Valdez, Lidio. "Conflicto y Decapitación Humana en Amato (Valle de Acarí, Perú)." Bulletin de l'Institut Français d'Etudes Andines 38, no. 2 (2009):177-204. doi:doi.org/10.4000/bifea.2666.