Season 2010

The Huari project is now open to receiving any inquiries or information and application requests for Summer 2010 Season. We have much work to do and are planning to have two full sessions of archaeologists and anthropologists on and running. We are openning one more site dating as early as 1000BC for excavations.
I hope you can join us.
Bebel Ibarra (Director).

To check out our Marcajirca fieldschool overview video follow the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh_yPLB_Yng

The project is running all year round thus constantly producing new data and material for Peruvian archaeology. If interested in reading more please follow the links:

http://takillakta.org/rcpal/article/604/hallan-taller-metalurgico-precolombino-a-4-300-metros-de-altura-en-ancash
http://www.primerapaginaperu.com/article/especiales/cultura/1083/
http://elcomercio.pe/ediciononline/html/2008-09-10/hallan-taller-metalurgico-precolombino-4300-metros-altura-ancash.html
http://www.voyageauperou.info/actualites-Estudio-revela-que-pueblo-Preinca-de-Ancash-levanto-viviendas%20junto-a-areas-Funerarias.php
http://sisbib.unmsm.edu.pe/bibVirtual/Publicaciones/antropologia/1999_N06/contenido.htm
http://peru21.pe/impresa/noticia/hallan-taller-huari/2008-09

Contact me with any questions archaeology_huari.ancash@yahoo.com

Application and Schedule 2010

Schedule 2010

Bioarchaeology field school June 13th- July 5th
Archaeology field school (1st group) June 13th- July 5th

Second session July 8th-Aug 3th archaeology field school only.

For application and cost information please email archaeology_huari.ancash@yahoo.com
Please note: you must mention which part of the project you are interested in: Archaeology or Bioarchaeology so that we can send you an application form in relation with your interest and study focus.


Thanks for your inquiries

Work in progress 2009

Virgine and Dyllus in structure 10 where remains of over 30 individuals were found

Angela and Ailleen in cave 3

Out of the cave into the light

Virgine and Dyllus finding something

Stephan and Virgine studying bones

Would those be rib bones?

Archaeologists 2009 season

Team 2009- Standing from left to right: Fernando, Edward, Alex, Aileen, Bebel, Angela

sitting left to right: Cristian, Josh,Virgine, Dyllus and Stephan

Resting after lunch

Catching sun


Stephan at work

Bioarchaeology work in season 2008

Skulls with remodelations from cave and chullpas

Lab and cave 3

Cave 3, most of work was using headlight

Grid system used in excavation of cave 3

Bone analysis in our lab

Cave 19

Working in cave 19

Skulls in cave 19

Eliza digging in a small cave 18

Excavations during season 2008

Sector F. Estructura 19

The Torreon

Cave 19


The Torreon

Drawing Ceramic

Cleaning Ceramic

Archaeologists in season 2008

Second Group -July/August-Up: Bebel, Josh, Margarita, Lauirie, Angela, David, Sara, Nat, Florian, Douglas, Bobbie, Manu, Kristi and Arturo. Down: Cristiàn, Yuri and Gaelle
Firts Group-June/July-Up: Felipe, Scott, Marie-line, Flore, Eliza, Andrew, Lauire, Amanda, Kasia, Margarita and Bebel
Down: Yuri, Carlos, Josh, Stephan and Cristian

Outdoor Lunch


Trying to explain something




The Lab-laundry



Getting ready before go into the cave, no light for couple hours

Helping for Pachamanca

Pachamanca very soon

Waiting for Pachamanca

Pachamanca in 5 minutes

A little soccer match, above 3800 meters 10 minutes is enought

Field School Description

Students participating in this field school program have the opportunity to spend more than 160 hours of archaeological work at the site. The supervisors of each excavation area are prepared to teach students basic concepts of archaeological excavation, registry of materials, and technical drawing of excavation areas. Additionally the program provides resources for developing skills in digital photography documentation of archaeological artifacts in the field laboratory. The programmed activities also include archaeological explorations in other sites in the valley as well as visits to nearby foreign and national archaeological digs (Chavin de Huantar).
Field School students will assume responsibilities in the scientific work required by the archaeological excavations. Each excavation unit at Marcajirca has a qualified person who is in charge of directing and instructing students of that unit. Furthermore, participating students are also encouraged to make significant decisions which will lead to a better understanding of the archaeological events that take place at the research site.
Prerequisites: No previous fieldwork experience required. An advanced level of Spanish is not required, as many members of project staff speak both English and Spanish. However, it is advisable for students to have basic knowledge of Spanish to facilitate interaction with the local population.

BioArchaeology Research

The bio-archeaological research is an important part of the project. Marcajirca has many funerary structures, known as chullpas, as well as caves, and semi-caves with human remains. For this reason Marcajirca has enormous potential for physical anthropological studies. This ensemble, (chullpas, caves and semicaves) around 50, most of them, with human bone remains inside. As the site is far from the city, we think it is necessary to implement a strategy which helps us to make quick analyses and optimise results.

Why are tombs dug and bones analysed? The first aim of the research is to know the cult to ancestors; this subject has a deep relationship with funeral patterns. In this case, it is necessary to answer questions such as: were all persons buried in one tomb families or were there other relationships? Were the tombs re-used? Is there a chronological difference between the tombs?

Facing this question, we have designed a strategy which lets us answer these questions. First it would be necessary to determine the minimum number of persons buried in one tomb and we think IT is possible carry out this type of analysis on site. In order to determine if members from one family were buried in one tomb, we need to take bone samples for DNA analyses. To determine if tombs were re-used, first we need to take bone samples for radio carbonic analyses after which the bones are contrasted to determine the bones’ age with DNA analyses. This procedure will help us to determine the chronology of tombs.

The analyses of this funeral structures carried in 2007, have revealed skull with remodelations, reoccupation of this structures, and some bone with osteomelitis, its very interesting the most of bone have in good condition, that mean the individuals were a healthy people, and seem time most of the below to range of sub adult (15-20). At this point, we are trying to determinate whether the caves we built at the same time as the chullpas, we hope our futures excavations will help us with this goal.

At moment we have determinate the presence of 74 individual in a cave, and around 20 in a chullpas. The interesting of this project is that we have to development a strategy between excavation, recover and analyses de bone in the place, all the bones will keep remaining in the cave and chullpas, we think for respect to ancestor they must remain in the original place.
How determinate which bone is older that other a cave is a big problem, due that the archaeological material recover tell us the place was use for long time, in future analyzes, such as DNA and other we will use to determinate the history of bone into the chullpas.
As well we want to know if is possible to difference two ethnics groups, who are identificated by ethno historical documents, but the archaeological evidence is not very clear, so we expecting compared funeral patter from both groups and after comparated DNA from bone both territories.

Our project looks for work archaeologist and physical anthropologist, verification ethno historical information.

The project is focusing on the Late Intermediate Period (1200-1400 AP). During this period there are 2 ethnic groups in the region. We want to compare the DNA of human bones from sites against other sites and the other group ethnic, because this group has been identified through ethno-historical information. Of course, our archaeological evidence will help us to have more information to make these comparisons.

During the season 2008 we dag 3 cave and one chullpas, in addition we are improving a laboratory to make chemical analysis of the bone in order to know the diet of population. We are still proceseing data from this season. The first month the bioarcaheological work was leaded for Stephan Naji from Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique de France CNRS.

For season 2009 we expect to analysis part of bone from last season and dig 02 caves.

In the season 2007 all the physical anthropologist analysis was carried in the site, most of bone stay in the archaeological place; because we think our ancestor have to remain in the place where they use to live. This methodology is only use for us, and we keep it in the next seasons.

Different types of cranial deformation present in Marcajirca

About the Huari-Ancash project

The project is under the direction of Bebel Ibarra, Phd Candidate for University of Paris 1, Pantheon Sorbonne. This project has been in the process of development since 1997, the early years being focused on surveys to determine the patterns of settlement and chronology of sites.

Since 2004 archaeological excavations have been carried out with the intention of knowing about the lifestyle of the pre-hispanic population of this valley. We are interested in funeral aspects, ancestral cults and the relationship of Early Horizon sites with Chavin de Huántar in Puccha Valley.

The excavations are carried out through test pits on Marcajirca’s funerary sector, anthropological physical analyses are a important part in this project.

The most researched cultures in this territory are Chavin in Early Horizon (900 – 300 B.C), and Recuay in Period Early Intermediate (300 B.C – 600 A.P). The occupations during Middle Horizon (600 – 1200 A.P) are not very well known yet. For the Late Intermediate period (1200 – 1474 A.P), the ethno-historical information spoke about 2 ethnic groups in the region, Huaris and Pincos. For Late Horizon or Inca, we have the Royal Inca Way going through the territory.

Excavation season 2007

During the season 2007 we were two groups: June with 12 persons (student and supervisors) and July with 18 persons. The excavations were focused in funeral and residential sector;
The excavation in residential sector was made mainly in houses, and at funeral sector in front of chullpas or tombs, and into cave and chullpas (in this case they were diged for physical anthropologists).
In this season have came students from USA, Canada, France, Portugal, Holland and Australia.

Archaeologist season 2007

Team June 2007, Mary Beth, David, Cara, Katy, Susan, Amy, Alexa, Judith, Adrianne, Juan and Felipe (stand up), bebel and Jillian (seat)

Team July, Felipe, Mariana, Justin, Laurie, Lleliana, Pascual, cesar, Jay and Martin (stand up), Alexa, Kate, Joshua and Arturo (seat)

Kate from Australia always trying to be busy

Our "Cookiedelaer", Alexa, always she found a way to save cookies, she was the chef of blackmarket cookies en marcajirca, unbelive; LOL

Justin, I am sure you are telling an interesting history....

Wow, the worst storm in Huari, everybody ready for evacuation

Jillian, I told you was a big storm, look the ice behind, we were lucky only rain and wind
After the storm we had to have lunch of the house, meanwhile it was improving, but anyways the view was wonderfull, next time we have lunch outside oftenly.

The voleyball team of Marcajirca, anyway our donkey play very good

Excavations 2006

Diggs Sector R, Structure 3, Unit 2

Digss Sector R, Structure 4, Unit I
Diggs Sector R, Structure 3, Unit 1
Diggs Sector A, Anf. Unit IDiggs Sector F, Chullpa, Unit I
Diggs Sector R, Structure 1, Unit I
Diggs Sector A, Anf. Unit I

Diggs Sector R, Structure 2, Unit I
Diggs Sector F, Structure 3, Unit I and IIDiggs Sector F, Structure 3, Unit I and II

Archaeologist season 2006

Team season 2006; Up from right to left: Carlos, Milagros Mary, Erika, Felipe, Wally, Azzurra, Manu, Troy, Vicent, Rafa, sited, Katy, Marie-Pier and Bebel (Marika and Robert in Cuzco) Mary if you behave i will set you free, in the meantime, just keep digging,

Peruvian guys taking a break and of course, we would like a beer; unluckily, the store is a 4 hour trek away...
a nice violin concert from Marie-Pier, ey quebecoise c'est posible que tu joue autre chanson???
Francisco and his son Ismail getting water in our life.
I CAUGHT you Vicent, you stole the chocolate...Ce n'est pas une habitude francaise ou oui??? jejejejeje
Canadians girls getting RASTA oulala allez quebecoise
OK Wally, a break is good, but afterwards back to the dig...
Wally what does the donkey say?
I want a nick name, quick....

Life in The Project (Photos)

Arrival and life in Lima: The students after passing immigration formalities, will be accommodated in a house in Lima, without additional cost, the house has a kitchen, where it is possible to cook (meals in Lima are not included). The house has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a washing machine, a sun terrace and additionally a garage. The supermarket METRO is 5 minutes away by bus. If you wish to stay longer in Peru after the excavation is finished, you can be accomodated in Lima, without additionnal cost.

Life in Huari: In Huari, the accommodation comprises a large house, with 2 small single bedrooms and 4 dormitory type rooms (each with capacity for 6 people), additionally 2 large living rooms; a spacious kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room with a washing machine; telephone ( incoming calls only) and continuous electricity supply @ 220 v.

Life in Marcajirca: During the excavation, we will occupy a little house or mountain refuge; this comprises approx 81 square metres; with a kitchen and latrine; it is necessary to sleep in tents (shared) using sleeping bags (each student has to carry its own sleeping bag).

Water is precious (it has to be carried from a village located 2.30 hours walking), it will therefore be used for drinking, cooking, washing teeth and hands. There is a spring available 1km upper the camp.

Domestic tasks will be done by every people on the camp (dish washing, floor swipping, wood seeking...).

There will be a first help kit on the camp; if you need a special medicacion for yourself you have to bring it.

.

Going to Marcajirca, is around 3 hours, is necesary use donkeys to carry the bagage

Break in midle of road.Our Camp-house in middle of mountain Some persons prefer sleep outside, but the tents are warming.We sleep inside of house; in share tents.Sometime some students want to cook, their tradditional food.We share the keephouse; sometime doing wishesTradditional breakfast in Marcajirca Cleaning material in Huari House

And enjoying a quite night in Huari House

Location and Additional Information

The area of research is based in the ravines of Huaritambo and the current excavations undertaken on the Marcajirca site, 3800 meters above sea level; on the right side of the Puccha river, on the oriental side of Cordillera Blanca, 12 miles away north of Chavin de Huántar in Huari Province.

The Huari province is located in Ancash state in Peru, 350 miles north of Lima, about 9 hours by bus, by an asphalted road (except the last 20 miles). Huari is located about 80 miles away, west of Huaraz, the capital of Ancash.

Huari’s Weather: This is very agreeable, sunny during the day and cold at night. We recommend bringing hats and suncream. The temperature is variable, very early in the morning around 2 °C degrees, 25°C at noon and about 10° C degrees at night.

Items to bring with you : Lightweight cotton clothing is best for the coast. You should bring pants, long sleeve shirts and a sweater or warm jacket for mornings and evenings. I suggest you bring enough clothes so that you can manage one week without having to launder. Sleeping bag (night time temperatures are around 2°C degrees). One 1-liter water bottle to carry your drinking water to the site. Dig kit (A trowel). Lightweight hiking shoes. Heavy hiking boots tear up the floors that we excavate. The usual toiletries : soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, etc. these can be purchased in Peru, of course, but it is more convenient to bring enough for the month. If you forget something, we will stop at a supermarket in Lima on the first day. Hat, Sunscreen, Factor 15 or higher is recommended. Sunglasses are a must.

Vaccination: Tetanus and Diphtheria, spread by contact with contaminated dirt. These potentially fatal diseases are found in undeveloped tropical areas and are difficult to treat. The tetanus vaccination is particularly important because Tetanus is contracted by exposure of cuts to dirt. Minor cuts are a common occurrence during archaeological excavations, and, of course, archaeological excavations involve exposure to dirt.

Sites to Visit

• The Centre Ceremonial of Chavin de Huantar
• Royal Incas Road, included to visit Tambo de Huari, Reparin Lake, Chullpas of Ushnu
• Puruhuay Lake and site of Llamacorral

Chavin de Huantar
Huaritambo
Reparin lake
Puruhuay Lake and Llamacorral site Visit to Chavin de Huantar during 2005, with the archaeological and anthropological teams

Marcajirca's Photos

Marcajirca overview photo


Funeral sector

Twin Chullpas (tombs)


Large Chullpa or Tomb
Medium Chullpa
Medium Chullpas
Uncommon Tomb House acces

Field Work in 1999

Field Work in 1999 with school students

Excavations and team 2005 photos

Archaeologist in Marcajirca 2005

Carlos, Ivan, Michele, Fabio, bebel, Kasha, Sonia, Felipe, Gelbert y Michel front at camp

Felipe, Casha, Carlos, Ivan, Bebel, Gelberth, Fabio, Michele and Michel on summit of apu llamoq (4400 meters)

Bibliography