Mining Archaeology in the Nasca and Palpa Region, South Coast of Peru

Abstract

While research about mining archaeology in the Andes has focused mainly on the north coast of Peru, the south coast has been widely neglected despite some pioneering studies which pointed to the importance of the region. In the interdisciplinary Nasca–Palpa project we documented mining activities in the vicinity of prehispanic settlements. We identified mines and quarries, as well as working places with stone tools. Mineral samples were tested in the laboratory. The preliminary results demonstrate the importance of the region for the production of gold, copper, semi-precious stones and obsidian especially in the Paracas, Nasca, and Late Intermediate periods.