Forming Techniques of Ychsma Cephalomorphic Bottles and Cara-Golletes from Pachacamac, Peru

Ychsma was a hierarchical society centered on the Lurin and Rimac valleys of Peru's central coast during the Late Intermediate Period (1000-1470 CE). During the Late Horizon (1470-1532 CE), it was the subject of intense investment and transformation by the Inka, most notably in the administrative and pilgrimage center of Pachacamac. Using X-radiography to evaluate forming methods and techniques, we compare two similar Ychsma forms of pottery: cephalomorphic bottles, dating to earlier Ychsma periods, and cara-golletes, dating to later Inka periods. We find that these forms, though similar in shape and appearance, were formed using very different methods. Ychsma fue una sociedad jerarquica centrada en los valles de Lurin y Rimac en la costa central del Peru durante el Periodo Intermedio Tardio (1000-1470 d.C.). Durante el Horizonte Tardio (1470-1532 d.C.), fue objeto de intensas inversiones y transformaciones por parte de los Inka, sobre todo en el centro administrativo y de peregrinacion de Pachacamac. Utilizando radiografias para evaluar metodos y tecnicas de formacion, comparamos dos formas similares de ceramica Ychsma: botellas cefalomorficas, que datan del periodo mas temprano Ychsma, y cara-golletes, que pertenecen al periodo mas tardio Inka. Encontramos que estas formas, aunque similares en forma y apariencia, se formaban usando metodos muy diferentes.

Automated summary

Ychsma, a hierarchical society in Peru, underwent significant changes during the Inca Empire. A study reveals that although cephalomorphic bottles and cara-golletes have similar shapes and appearances, they were formed using completely different methods.