Long-term occupation of Cerro Chijcha, Upper Desaguadero Valley, Bolivia

Abstract

This article reports preliminary data from a survey of the archaeological site of Cerro Chijcha, a low mountain located in the community of Chijcha, municipality of Jesus de Machaca, Ingavi Province, Department of La Paz, Bolivia. We documented significant occupation stretching from the Middle Formative Period (800–200 B.C.) through the Inca Pacajes Period (A.D. 1450–1532). The extent and density of occupation, particularly during the Tiwanaku (A.D. 500–1100) and Inca Pacajes periods, suggests that Cerro Chijcha was a regionally important ceremonial site.

Este informe reporta los datos preliminares de una prospección arqueológica realizadaen el sitio denominado Cerro Chijcha, ubicado sobre una montaña de la comunidad del mismo nombre, municipalidad de Jesús de Machaca, Provincia Ingavi del Departamento de La Paz, Bolivia. Durante la prospección hemos documentado una ocupación que data aproximadamente desde el Periodo Formativo Medio (800–200 A.C.) hasta el Periodo Inca Pacajes (1450–1532 D.C.). La extensión y la densidad de la ocupación, particularmente durante los periodos Tiwanaku (500–1100 D.C.) e Inca Pacajes, sugiere que Cerro Chijcha fue un sitio ceremonial importante a nivel regional.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost we thank Ciriaco Inda from Iruhito for accompanying us on several trips to Cerro Chijcha and introducing us to the community authorities. We also thank the community authorities of Cerro Chijcha: Valeriano Pucho Quispe, Jiliri Mallku; Ignacio German Loza Chinche, Mallku Originario Zona A; Augustín Pucho Aspi, Mallku Originario Zona B; Isaac Cosme, Jiliri Quillqa Mallku; and Francisco Aspi Lupa, Thaqui Kamani. Thanks to Carlos Lémuz Aguirre for providing a key reference. We would also like to thank Jerry D. Moore and two anonymous reviewers who provided excellent comments. Any errors remain our responsibility.