Monumental Preceramic Architecture at Bandurria, Huacho

Abstract

The archaeological site of Bandurria, located near the modern town of Huacho, on the North-Central Peruvian coast, is a Late Preceramic settlement known since the 1970’s. However, new research has discovered an unreported sector with monumental architecture. This sector covers an area of 20 hectares and contains 10 structures divided into 4 main mounds of 8 to 12 meters high and 6 minor structures that had auxiliary or secondary functions. This article presents the archaeological excavation of one of the main structures, Mound 1. This excavation revealed a cobble and mud mortar truncated pyramid associated with a circular sunken plaza that reflects the same architectural features and forms of other Late Preceramic monumental architecture.