Reassessing the Developmental and Chronological Relationships of the Formative of Coastal Ecuador
Author: Staller J.E.1
Source: Journal of World Prehistory, Volume 15, Number 2, June 2001 , pp. 193-256(64)
Publisher: Springer
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Abstract:
The Ecuadorian Formative was initially interpreted as a result of long-distance diffusion, and migration, more recent research has changed our perception of the Valdivia, Machalilla, and Chorrera culture complexes. In this analysis, these archaeological investigations are reassessed in order to reevaluate our understanding regarding the nature of these prehistoric cultures. Formative chronologies, distributions, interrelationships are reviewed in the light of Pre-Hispanic occupations in El Oro Province. Previous investigations on the Ecuadorian littoral are examined. Results indicate (1) Valdivia and Machalilla are part of the same ceramic tradition and (2) the interrelationships of these complexes to Late Formative Period ceramic sequences are more complex than previously assumed. (3) A major adaptive shift related to an increased dependence upon agriculture occurred during Valdivia VI–VIII, and continued into the Late Formative with the widespread distribution of Chorrera related material culture. (4) Long-distance interaction with the Ecuadorian highlands resulted in the spread of what may be termed a Chorrera horizon and formed the basis of subsequent Andean cosmology where it was symbolically represented according to local and regional artistic canons and over a vast area of Andean South America.
Keywords: Ecuadorian prehistory; Formative ceramics; radiocarbon dating
Language: English
Document Type: Regular paper
Affiliations: 1: Department of Anthropology, The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Illinois 60605
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