Amber from 1000-Year Old Prehispanic Tombs in Northern Peru
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JEAN H.
ABSTRACT Hundreds of large, shaped and perforated amber beads excavated from two Middle Sicrn elite shafttombs at Huaca Loro on the northern coast of Peru represent the first scientifically documented case of amber use in prehispanic South America. Amber was highly valued and formed a key component of Sicfn sumptuary good production. This paper describes the analytical procedures and archaeological and botanical background for source identification and cultural understanding of amber beads found on pectorals, necklaces and gold alloy objects. Samples were initially identified by XRD and FT-IR microscopy, followed by a more detailed and conclusive analysis using pyrolysis GCMS. Radiocarbon dating points to a minimum age of 50,000 years. Results were compared with amber from known sources in the New World. Various lines of evidence suggest that the amber was derived from a heretofore unknown source, probably an ancient species of Hymenaea, possibly related to H. oblongifolia (family Leguminosae) occurring today in upper Amazonia. INTRODUCTION Many natural resources are highly localized in their distribution and/or limited in quantity. This fact, together with inefficient means of long distance travel and the limited geographical knowledge, go a long way in accounting for the considerable political and/or ideological importance ancient peoples attached to material goods acquired from distant sources. Procurement of these items often required considerable investment of capital and labor, foresight, perseverance, and diplomatic and organizational skills. At the same time, many exotic goods did not possess intrinsic qualities that conferred ready and evident benefits. Working with ethnographically and historically documented cases, M. Helms suggests that much of their importance was derived from the political and ideological symbolism ascribed to distant places and peoples and goods acquired from them in ancient cosmologies [1]. In other words, she argues that the importance derives from symbolic reinterpretation or transformation of the exotic goods to meet particular political and ideological conditions and needs [1]. In this process, distance was not interpreted in neutral terms, but was viewed as positive or negative. In addition, real or alleged distance, the available quantity and/or risk involved can be manipulated by priviledged individuals capable of obtaining "exotic" items. These individuals often reaped heightened social prestige and political legitimacy, and even the role of fashion trend setters through public display of the acquired goods. Helms concludes that the desire to acquire exotic goods and patronize skilled craftsmen by kings and other members of the social elite stands as a metaphor for rulership in that both acts demonstrate their involvement in cosmic integration, control and transformation [1]. In essence, both acts legitimize and enhance political power and leadership.
Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 462 01997 Materials Research Society
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