Moche Politics, Religion, and Warfare

Author: Quilter J.

Source: Journal of World Prehistory, Volume 16, Number 2, June 2002 , pp. 145-195(51)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

In this essay I briefly review the history of Moche studies, the essential features of this archaeological culture of the North Coast of Peru (ca. 1900–1100 B.P.), and its general economy. I then present current issues, discussions, and debates on Moche regional political organization, religion, warfare, and their interrelations. I suggest that the interpretation of Moche art has been and the interpretation of archaeology has lacked nuance. I question the proposal of warfare as “ritual,” that the temple mound complexes were centers of political power, that the elite buried in them were rulers, that the compounds and streets near them were cities, and whether proposals for a conquest Moche state are plausible. I suggest that these and other interpretations about the Moche are becoming accepted as facts without considering alternative interpretations of the data and that much information is lacking. Rather than having reached a stage when we can synthesize concepts about Moche culture we are only just beginning to understand it.

Keywords: Andes; Moche; politics; religion; warfare

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Pre-Columbian Studies, Dumbarton Oaks, 1703 32nd St. N.W., Washington, District of Columbia 20007–2961; quilterj@doaks.org

Publication date: 2002-06-01