The Paracas-Nasca cultural sequence

Abstract

Paracas cultural expression originated on the southern coast of Peru. Through constant evolution, it gave rise to a number of different manifestations. The main stages named Paracas Cavernas and Paracas Necrópolis (by J. Tello) were based on the types of tombs found during the excavations and the characteristics of associated materials, mainly ceramics. To understand the cultural evolution that affects the area of the South Coast, and in particular the Paracas Peninsula, it is important to consider the specific studies made by Menzel, Dowson, and Rowe, who traced a pattern of ceramic seriation examining material from Ocucaje, Tajahuana, and Cerrillos, including with the help of radiocarbon dating. With the loss of dominance to the expanding Paracas culture, one witnessed the emergence of Topará Culture and Nasca Culture. The latter, in the course of almost a millennium, took on the characteristics of a homogeneous culture of theocratic nature, where a society organized in specialized classes developed particularly advanced expressive forms of ceramics and textiles. Nasca Culture also distinguished itself in architecture, with the example of the ceremonial center of Cahuachi, as well as in the creation of geoglyphs and irrigation systems. With the expansion of Nasca Culture also in the Paracas area, there was a progressive overlapping of cultural expressions. The apogee of Nasca Culture paralleled the development and existence of the ceremonial center of Cahuachi. During the last two centuries of Nasca hegemony, the world of the Sierra imposed a progressive influence, ending with the Wari imperial expansion and the beginning of the chronological stage known as Middle Horizon.