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The Location of Lake Titicaca’s Coastal Area During the Tiwanaku and Inca Periods: Methodology and Strategies of Underwater Archaeology

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Abstract

For more than 30 years, numerous research projects have revealed the dense and complex human settlement of the lacustrine basin of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru. Physical evidence of such establishments has been discovered in plains, valleys, and highlands connected to the lake. These remains confirm human occupation and development in this environment, particularly during the Tiwanaku (AD 500-1150) and Inca (AD 1400-1532) Periods. The research project discussed in this paper includes consideration of submerged areas through underwater archaeology. This investigation involves analysis of two areas that have evidence of ancient human occupation but are poorly documented: the coastal and lacustrine regions. Due to its dominance in the landscape, Lake Titicaca has always been a major feature in the life and identity of populations of this vicinity. These inhabitants have developed socio-economic and ritual behaviours directly associated with the lake that have left cultural and material prints that are the foci of the present study.

Resumen

Durante más de treinta años, numerosos proyectos de investigación han hecho evidente el denso y complejo asentamiento humano en la cuenca lacustre del Lago Titicaca (Bolivia, Perú). La evidencia física de este establecimiento había sido descubierta en llanuras, valles y elevaciones naturales conectadas con el lago. Estos restos confirman la ocupación humana y el desarrollo en este ambiente, particularmente durante los periodos de Tiwanaku (500-1150 d.C.) e Inca (1400-1532 d.C.). El proyecto de investigación discutido incluye la consideración de áreas sumergidas a través de la arqueología subacuática. Esta investigación implica el análisis de dos áreas que han sido parte de la ocupación humana antigua, pero están mal documentadas: las regiones costeras y lacustres.. Por su predominio en el paisaje, el Lago Titicaca siempre ha sido una característica importante en la vida e identidad de las poblaciones de esta vecindad. Estos habitantes han desarrollado conductas socioeconómicas y rituales directamente asociadas con el lago que han dejado una huella cultural y material que es el foco del presente estudio.

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Notes

  1. They base their reasoning upon the chronicle written by Cieza de León who visited this region in 1548.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the members, persons in charge and partners of the Titicaca Project 2012–2014 who, whatever the nature of their involvement, contributed to the realisation of this major undertaking, in particular: Prof. Peter Eeckhout, Prof. Éric Rieth, Prof. Charles Stanish, Marcial Medina Huanca, Jose Capriles, Maria Guerra, as well as all the diver archaeologists, restorers, topographer and technicians. We also thank the ULB, the F.R.S.-FNRS and specifically Ruth Fontenla Álvarez for her analysis of the ceramic fragments of Puncu, Arnaud Bourguignon for the text translation, and Florence Doyen for her editing comments.

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  1. Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium

    Christophe Delaere

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  1. Christophe Delaere
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Correspondence to Christophe Delaere.

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Delaere, C. The Location of Lake Titicaca’s Coastal Area During the Tiwanaku and Inca Periods: Methodology and Strategies of Underwater Archaeology. J Mari Arch 12, 223–238 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-017-9187-6

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