A human offering to the early monumental architecture of Los Morteros, Northern coast of Peru

Abstract

Los Morteros (5726-5041 cal yrs. BP) is an archaeological site located in Pampa de las Salinas, in the lower Chao Valley, on the northern Peruvian coast. This site includes several phases. One of these belongs to the construction of an adobe-brick monumental building dating 5400-5100 yrs. BP. Excavations carried out in 2017, uncovered a context comprised of burnt areas containing marine animal bones, shells, charcoal, articulated human skeletons, and commingled human bones. This context is interpreted as the remains of an offering related to the closing event of the adobe-brick monumental structure. This interpretation is based on the conjunction of osteological, contextual, and radiocarbon analysis. The closing event of the adobe-brick monumental structure, of which this offering is part, contributed to the construction social and ritual significance at Los Morteros, located inside the Archaeological Complex of Pampa de las Salinas in the Chao Valley.