(E3) CH 24 Andes Region

(Before Inca~ Wari)

Geography of the Andean Highlands

  • The Andean Highlands are characterized by:

    • Narrow mountain valleys

    • Arid conditions

    • Rich ocean resources from the cold Peru Current

  • Vertical Economy: Involves four major zones in descending elevation:

    • Grazing (Llamas)

    • Potatoes

    • Maize

    • Tropical crops

Major Andean Cultures and Time Periods

  • Civilizational Timeline:

    • Prehistoric Period: 7700 BC - 3300 BC (Early and Middle Preceramic)

    • Initial Period: (1800 BC)

    • Early Horizon: Chavín Horizon (900 BC)

    • Middle Horizon: Wari and Tiwanaku Empires (AD 500)

    • Late Intermediate: (AD 1100)

    • Chimú Empire: (AD 800 - 1438)

    • Inca Empire: (AD 1438 - 1532)

Andean Economy

  • Rich ocean resources from cold Peru Current

  • Vertical economy: four major zones. in descending elevation:

    • Grazing (Llamas)

    • Potatoes

    • Maize

    • Tropical crops

(The rise of states in Andes)

  • Prior to A.D. 100: Self-sufficient farming villages: Productive resources and labor bade (Chavin)

  • Hillside terracing, fallow field system, equalitarian

  • After A.D. 100, the rise of chiefdoms and states:

    • Moche (AD 100-800) and Chiu Empire (A.D. 700-1465) on the north coast of Peru (coastal lowlands)

    • Wari (A.D. 600-1000) and Tiawanaku (A.D. 600-1000) empires in Peru and Bolivia (Andean highlands)

  • COPPER AND SPONDYLUS SHELLS:

    • Copper axes were critical in Andean trade networks due to their value as tools and weapons. Copper was abundant in the region, making it a practical material for producing sturdy and functional goods. The axes facilitated agricultural practices, such as clearing land and managing crops, thus enhancing productivity in various societies.

    • Spondylus shells, often referred to as 'thorny oysters,' held significant cultural and economic value. They were highly prized in rituals and trade, often used as currency or in elaborate decorations. The rarity and beauty of Spondylus shells made them desirable items in trade, serving not only as material goods but also as symbols of status and power. Their trade extended beyond local communities, connecting cultures across the Andes, which reflects the extensive trade networks that allowed for cultural exchange and economic interaction among different societies.

  • Quipus:

    • Quipus are knotted cords that served as a form of record-keeping in the Inca Empire and earlier Andean cultures. They were composed of differing colors and lengths of cord with knots tied at various intervals.

    • The accompanying knots conveyed numerical information and were potentially used for recording census data, accounting, and historical records.

    • The importance of quipus lies in their role as an alternative method of communication and record-keeping in a society without a written language.

    • They enabled the Incas to manage vast administrative tasks over their empire, maintain control of resources, and facilitate trade and tribute systems.

    • Quipus represent a unique aspect of Andean culture, showcasing the sophistication of their civilization in managing information and governance.

Chavin Horizon ( 900 and 200 BC)

  • Artistic motifs spread from the highlands of Peru between 900 and 200 BC.

  • Chavín de Huantar: Ceremonial site with significant monumental architecture. The architecture includes plazas, temples, and drainage systems, showcasing the ingenuity of early Andean societies.

  • Artistic motifs involve:

    • Natural and animal imagery (e.g., jaguars, crocodiles)

    • Fanged deity represented in various artifacts

    • Elite burials.

  • Trade and Craft Specialization:

    • Items like anthracite mirrors, Spondylus shells, textiles, and metals.

Nazca Culture (100 BC - AD 700)

  • Southern Peruvian coastal area, ca. 100 BC to AD 700.

  • Notable for the Nazca Lines:

    • Geoglyphs are created by removing surface stones, revealing lighter soil—900-acre area.

    • Figures include geometric shapes and animal forms (monkeys, spiders).

    • Interpretation suggests a spiritual significance, meant to be traversed, for aerial perception or ritualistic purposes.

Moche Culture (AD 100 - 800)

  • Located on the North coast of Peru.

  • Recognized for its monumental pyramids called Huacas. They functioned as ceremonial centers.

  • Distinguished by fine pottery depicting daily life and nature.

  • Economic activities included:

    • Trade of valuable resources like Spondylus shells, gold, and copper ore.

    • Agricultural productivity, including chicha beer for ceremonial purposes.

  • Major architectural sites include Huacas de Moche ~ ceremonial beer (chicha).

    • The Huacas de Moche includes Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, central to Moche societal rituals and agricultural productivity.

    • Warfare/sacrifice of captives.

    • Spiral Stage.

Wari Empire (AD 600 - 1000)

  • Located in the central highlands of Peru.

  • Defined by its capital city covering 200 hectares, with a population of about 10,000.

  • The walled city structure indicated a stratified society.

  • Wari architecture included temples and administrative centers, indicating a complex socio-political structure in the region of central Peru.

  • Evidence of elite trade and access to luxury goods: Spondylus shells, gold, silver, copper, fancy ceramics.

  • Elites identified by special four-cornered hats in artwork, like this ceramic figurine from Peru.

  • Displays of warfare are evidenced through art and burial practices.

Tiwanaku Empire (AD 600 - 1000)

  • Centered near Lake Titicaca, strategic colonies for agriculture and resource extraction. (Llamas, potatoes, maize, and fish)

  • Planned city with monumental architecture (palaces, temples, streets, and pyramid structures)

Chimú Empire (AD 1370 - 1470)

  • Several small states formed in the highlands and lowlands after the fall of the Wari and Tiwanaku empires. One of these is the Chimu Empire.

  • Located on the Northern coast of Peru, with Chan Chan is the capital in Peru, Moche Valley, known for monumental architecture and palaces.

  • Has a Tschudi Palace (House of the Sea).

  • Known for advanced metallurgy, ceramics, and silver beakers.

  • Monumental architecture.

  • Palaces and elite burials.

Summary of Pre-Inca Societies

  • Early societies were largely self-sufficient, with the rise of more complex chiefdoms and state systems post AD 100.

  • Notable cultures: Moche, Chimú, Wari, and Tiwanaku, indicating a rich tapestry of cultural development across the Andes.

Similarities/Differences of the Inca and Aztec Empire

Similarities:

  • Complex Societies: Both empires developed complex social structures and political organizations with ruling elites.

  • Agricultural Foundation: Agriculture was a vital aspect of both empires, using innovative techniques to sustain large populations (e.g., chinampas for the Aztecs and terrace farming for the Incas).

  • Religious Practices: Both civilizations practiced polytheism and had rich religious traditions, often involving rituals and sacrifices to appease their gods.

  • Expansion through Conquest: Both the Inca and Aztec empires expanded their territories through military conquest, subjugating neighboring tribes and requiring tribute.

Differences:

  • Geographical Location: The Inca Empire was located along the western coast of South America, primarily in present-day Peru, while the Aztec Empire was situated in central Mexico.

  • Political Structure: The Inca had a much more centralized bureaucratic system, with the Sapa Inca holding absolute power, whereas the Aztec political structure was a confederation of city-states with more regional autonomy.

  • Writing Systems: The Incas used quipus (knotted strings) for record-keeping due to their lack of a written language, while the Aztecs developed a form of pictographic writing.

  • Economic Systems: The Inca economy was based on a vertical economy with communal land ownership, while the Aztec economy relied heavily on tribute from conquered peoples and a marketplace-centered system.