Religious Ideology and Military Organization in the Iconography of a D-Shaped Ceremonial Precinct at Conchopata

Abstract

Between August 1997 and January 1998, the authors conducted archaeological excavations at Conchopata, on the edge of the modern city of Ayacucho, in the central highlands of Peru (Figure 8.1a). Research was undertaken at Conchopata for three primary reasons. First, we hoped to learn more about the art and iconography of the Middle Horizon. Oversize Conchopata pottery decorated with representations of the Front Face Staff God, which also appears on the Gateway of the Sun at Tiwanaku, is well known from the site and Conchopata's imagery raises crucial questions about Andean prehistory. Second, little was known about spatial organization at Conchopata, and particularly about the organization of craft production. Third, and perhaps most decisive, was the history of destruction at the site and the continuing threat of loss of archaeological information (see summary in Isbell and Cook, this volume).