Visualising alterity: scalar views of predation from ancient Peru

Abstract

This visual essay explores material expressions of otherness, or alterity, in the ancient Andes. It first provides a discussion about key points about alterity, especially different kinds of alterity seen ethnographically. It then turns to different strands of archaeological evidence focused on an alterity centred on ancient conflict and predation. The available record informs at different scales, but manifests a strong concern for the Other. Visual forms of evidence, it is argued, provide key ways to observe how ancient others theorised their others. The record indicates that one of the chief points about alterity is that the ‘outside’ in the Other, whether thing or person, is something desirable and useful; it can also be alienated and captured.

Keywords:

• pre-columbian
• Andes
• Moche
• Recuay
• otherness
• warfare
• exotic
• archaeology