Theory in archaeology often concentrates on the rise or collapse of civilizations, while periods of instability following collapse have been underresearched. This is especially true in Bolivias southern Titicaca basin, where previous investigations have focused on the growth, expansion, and collapse of Tiwanaku. The goal of this dissertation was to use the large settlement of Pukara de Khonkho (located just 25 km south of Tiwanaku) as a test case to examine post-collapse community development and to clarify the local chronology, specifically considering the roles of population movement and intercommunity interaction.
The research expands a body of literature on the archaeology of communities, a frame which is especially useful given the local nature of post-collapse developments. Pukara de Khonkho was examined through a multifaceted program of archaeological excavation, mapping, and artifact analysis. In order to put the site in regional and temporal context, additional research was conducted into Late Intermediate Period components at the nearby site of Khonkho Wankane and the Inca-Colonial site of Chaucha de Khula Marka. The major analytic focus was on a study of ceramics, including the creation of a new local typology.
This new data provides a more nuanced understanding than was previously possible of Late Intermediate Period occupation in the southern Titicaca Basin and illustrates the broader value of post-collapse studies. Following Tiwanaku collapse (ca. 1150 AD), the ceremonial centers of the altiplano were virtually abandoned, giving way to smaller, ephemeral settlements, including ritual and quotidian use of pre-Tiwanaku sites like Khonkho Wankane. Research conducted for this dissertation has demonstrated that around 1300 AD some of these scattered populations began to come together at Pukara de Khonkho. Investigations illustrated that the site was well-integrated into the local landscape, with clearly defined areas for ritual, mortuary, domestic, and agricultural purposes as well as a shared pattern of material culture. The site was abruptly abandoned around the time of Inca conquest.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VANDERBILT/oai:VANDERBILTETD:etd-08012012-131813 |
| Date | 10 August 2012 |
| Creators | Zovar, Jennifer Montgomery Johnson |
| Contributors | Steven Wernke, Daniel H. Usner, Tiffiny A. Tung, John W. Janusek, Jason Yaeger |
| Publisher | VANDERBILT |
| Source Sets | Vanderbilt University Theses |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.vanderbilt.edu/available/etd-08012012-131813/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to Vanderbilt University or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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