Rituals of the Past: Prehispanic and Colonial Case Studies in Andean Archaeology

Rituals of the Past: Prehispanic and Colonial Case Studies in Andean Archaeology reveals that ritual practices, despite being overlooked by archaeologists, are archaeologically visible due to their repetitive nature. The volume demonstrates how these rituals were embedded in power relations, social transformations, and daily practices across pre-Hispanic, colonial, and postcolonial Andes. It employs a diverse range of methodologies, including excavation-based approaches, spatial and GIS data analysis, ethnohistorical, historical, and linguistic data, showcasing the interpretive potential of an interdisciplinary perspective. The study highlights significant temporal and methodological scope, spanning from 1200 BC to contemporary times, with a focus on ritual spaces at Chavin de Huantar and other sites.

Sharratt, N. (2021). Rituals of the Past: Prehispanic and Colonial Case Studies in Andean Archaeology. Ethnohistory, 68(1), 155–156. https://doi.org/10.1215/00141801-8702468