Huari-Ancash Bio-Archaeological Research Project Field School 2018. Perú

The project is focused on three aspects of research and we follow different techniques in the field and laboratory:
Archaeology: This part of the program involves archaeological excavations in different types of architecture in
Huamparán; our goal for the student is to learn to identify stratigraphic layers, be able to fully fill out an excavation
form and improve archaeological drawing and recording. It will also include survey to sites around the valley. We
will examine different material recovered during the present and past seasons (ex.pottery, lithics).
Bio-archaeology: This part consists of mapping and recovering human remains from funeral structures located In
Huamparan (to excavate) and the sites surrounded. This part includes drawing/mapping of funeral structures/
caves, techniques of bone recovering, and identification of taphonomy process in human remains. No previous
experience is required.
Laboratory: analysis of human remains from Marcajirca site and sites surveyed. The bone analyses are
performed in order to obtain biological data from the remains recovered by students themselves during the
current season or from previous excavations. At least 2 days or 16 hours full lab will be provided with a dedicated
instructor. The lab involves instructor and two students.
All the participants in the team will rotate between different parts of research so that everyone gets to try
everything. However, based on progress and skill for determined areas or preferences, if a participant chooses to
work only in one area, it may be considered, keeping in mind that the number of students is manageable by a
supervisor or instructor for that area.
In order for participants to get introduced to and get involved with Peruvian archaeology, we lecture at the
Project Lab-House in Huari, using PowerPoint Exposition. We especially focus on subjects such as Funerary
Patterns in The Andes, Mummies and Bio-anthropological context in Pre-Columbian Cultures, Cranial
Modification and Trepanations.