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Wari Ritual Power at Conchopata: An Interpretation of Anadenanthera Colubrina Iconography

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Patricia J. Knobloch
Patricia J. Knobloch*
Affiliation:
Research Associate, Institute of Andean Studies, Berkeley, 9229 Dillon Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941
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Abstract

Iconographic studies often provide evidence to interpret ritual activities of archaeologically known cultures. Recent excavations at the site of Conchopata near Ayacucho, Peru, led to a re-analysis of the ritual behavior of Middle Horizon (A. D. 750-1000) Wari society. The identification of a hallucinogenic plant design, Anadenanthera colubrina, depicted on Conchopata offering pottery contributes a crucial understanding of a previously unknown artistic icon. This icon was discerned as depicted in various abstract renditions on Middle Horizon textiles, snuff paraphernalia, ceramics, and stone sculpture, including the Gate of the Sun at Tiwanaku, Bolivia. Based on historic and ethnographic evidence, the plant's prehistoric use as a hallucinogen is discussed with regard to suggested chicha drinking ceremonies, and the transitional role of Wari leaders from shamans to priests.

Resumen

Resumen

Los estudios iconográficos proporcionan a menudo evidencias que permiten interpretar actividades rituales de culturas conocidas desde el punto de vista arqueológico. Las excavaciones recientes en el sitio de Conchopata, cerca de Ayacucho, Perú, condujeron a un nuevo análisis del comportamiento ritual de la sociedad Wari durante el Horizonte Medio (750-1000 D. C.). La identificación de un diseño de la planta alucinógena Anadenanthera colubrina, representada en una ofrenda cerámica Conchopata contribuye al conocimiento crucial para interpretar a un icono artístico anteriormente desconocido. Este icono fue reconocido en diversas versiones abstractas sobre textiles, parafernalia para rape, cerámica y esculturas líticas pertenecientes al Horizonte Medio incluyendo a la Puerta del Sol en Tiwanaku, Bolivia. Basado en evidencias históricas y etnográficas, se discute el uso prehistórico de esta planta alucinógeno en relaciona al consumo de chicha en ceremonias rituales y se discute el papel transicional de los lideres Wari de curanderos a sacerdotes.

Type
Reports
Information
Latin American Antiquity , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , December 2000 , pp. 387 - 402
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2000

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