Cronología del contacto y de encuentros cercanos de Wari

Abstract

Chronology of Wari Contact and Close Encounters

Detailed stylistic analysis is very important in determining indicators of social interaction that can occur at various levels of society. In the Andes, the distances between distinct populations do not present a problem for social interaction such as trade. Stylistic analysis provides a more detailed sequence of social events and within shorter time spans than radiocarbon dating. The previous emphasis on comparing Wari and Tiwanaku societies has been within the ceremonial art that was probably controlled by the leadership of the elite. Ceremonial art can provide some indicators of social interaction, but probably not with more common activities such as trade or migrations that accompanied the expansion of the religious cults of Wari and Tiwanaku. By applying Menzel's model of stylistic analysis that includes ceremonial, elite and more common pottery to the Tiwanaku artistic expression and by combining the Tiwanaku IV and V phases, perhaps we can discover more indicators that document an ancient and active social interaction between these two populations.