Animas Altas' “Friezes Building”. Being Paracas At The Lower Ica Valley

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the results of recent investigations carried out by the Ánimas Altas Archaeological Program, in the Ica department, southern Peru. A particular emphasis is put on the excavations conducted at a frieze-decorated building. The analysis of the material culture registered in this building, particularly of the icons depicted on the friezes, not only offers some interpretations regarding Paracas symbology and cosmovision but also sheds lights on critical aspects related to identity as well as the territorial dynamics of the Paracas social formations from the lower section of the Ica valley. Furthermore, imagery depicted on friezes support the idea that social interactions promoted by the Paracas were not limited to the adjacent highland. Even more, potential links with the north and central coast from remote times
need to be further investigated. The stylistic and technological variations registered at the «Building of Friezes» – which are not diachronically manifested, can reveal diverse phenomena such as the occupation of the territory by several groups that gave shape to socio-political identities in Late Paracas times. The comparison between the data obtained from the excavation at the «Building of Frizes» and other Paracas sites´will allow Paracas scholars to formulate interpretations and hypotheses about both the political and cultural spaces of the ancient Paracas.