Tom Patterson and the origins of early Peruvian civilization

A groundbreaking re-evaluation of early Peruvian civilizations challenges long-held assumptions about the nature of pre-Chavin monumental complexes. Thomas C. Patterson's work, spanning decades, demonstrates that these U-shaped pyramid structures—such as Huaca La Florida—predate the rise of Chavin de Huantar and were not chiefdoms or states, as previously thought. By applying historical materialism, Patterson reframes our understanding of Andean societal emergence, emphasizing historically specific social formations over neo-evolutionary stages. His research, rooted in excavations at Ancón, surveys of the Lurin Valley, and analyses of pottery sequences, reveals the intricate interdependence between coastal dwellers and inland farmers during the Preceramic period, offering a nuanced perspective on the origins of complex societies in Peru.

Burger, R. L. (2024). Tom Patterson y los orígenes de la civilización peruana temprana. Arqueología Y Sociedad, (41), 9–22. https://doi.org/10.15381/arqueolsoc.2024n41.e28186