The architecture at Cerro Amaru is poorly preserved, and the most important features of the site-the wells, storerooms, and mausoleum-have already been mentioned. Significantly, Cerro Amaru has the greatest concentration of exotic material of any site in the Huamachuco area. Much of it is Huari in origin or shows heavy Huari influence (Thatcher 1972, 1977; Topic and Topic 1984). All diagnostic pieces date to Middle Horizon 1B, and the iconography is typical of the secular Chakipampa style rather than the more ceremonial Huari styles. Other exotic ceramics show the influence of the central or north-central coast, the Callejon de Huaylas, and Cajamarca (Topic and Topic 1984). In addition to the ceramic material, lapis lazuli, seashells, and obsidian are all present. In one part of the mausoleum a large quantity of cut Spondylus shell and chunks of cal (lime) were used as a floor. While the exact source of the lapis lazuli is unknown, the obsidian probably came from either Quispisisa in Huancavelica or an unidentified source near Cuzco (Burger and Asaro 1977), and the Spondylus shell was imported from far northern Peru or Ecuador.

The site was founded during the Early Intermediate Period, and some exotic materials may predate the Huari influence. There is every reason to assume, however, that contact with Huari resulted in a flood of exotic goods as well as increased prestige for the site. The presence of Huari storerooms may indicate that Huari underwrote ceremonies at some sort of shrine associated with the wells located there. The importance of the site seems to have declined rapidly after the period of Huari influence.

---

Retornar

Avanzar

---