Matthew Sayre

A marked preference

Abstract Questions of cultural difference in the prehispanic Andes have generally been addressed through studies of style (textile designs, ceramic form and decoration, burial patterns), space (settlement pattern), or material selection/sourcing (metal ores, lithic) analysis. Cultural preference, however, may be expressed by other means and cultural affiliation can be performed in a myriad of settings with varying accoutrement. One area of research that can be used to address cultural preferences and the performative power of the state is food practice. In this paper we analyze macrobotanical remains from two prominent Huari sites, Cerro Baúl and Conchopata. We demonstrate that these remains provide evidence for a cultural cooking practice and/or cuisine preference centered on chicha de molle production in elite Huari contexts during the Middle Horizon.Las cuestiones sobre diferencias culturales en los Andes prehispanicos han sido, por lo general, abordadas a través de los estudios estilísticos (patrones textiles, forma y decoración cerámica, formas de entierro), espaciales (patrones de asentamiento), o de selección de materiales/proveniencia (minerales, líticos). Las preferencias culturales, sin embargo, se pueden expresar por otros medios y la filiación cultural puede realizarse en entornos múltiples con variados artefactos. Un área de investigación que puede utilizarse para discutir las preferencias culturales y la fuerza performativa del Estado es la práctica culinaria. En este artículo se discute evidencía de prácticas que no fueron registradas en restos iconograficos. A traves del analisis de los restos macrobotánicos de dos importantes sitios Huari: Conchopata y Cerro Baúl, se sostiene la presencia de una práctica culinaria, o preferencia gastronomica, centrada en la producción de chicha de molle en contextos de elite Huari durante el Horizonte Medio.

Isotopic evidence for the trade and production of exotic marine mammal bone artifacts at Chavín de Huántar, Peru

This study uses stable isotope analysis to identify the possible origin and taxon of unusually large worked bone artifacts recovered from the site of Chavín de Huántar in the central highland of Peru (3200–2200 BP). The site was traditionally considered to be an ideal trading point halfway between the Pacific coast and the Amazon jungle. The archaeological specimens were discovered in a workshop area located in the La Banda sector across from the main temple, and they were analyzed for the stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Results indicate that the worked bone artifacts are marine in origin and are likely from a cetacean or large pinniped. Their exotic origin and elaborate work have implications about ancient production practices and exchange, and they provide benchmark data and a comparative approach for future analysis of exotic bone artifacts.

Social Paleoethnobotany: New Contributions to Archaeological Theory and Practice

The field of paleoethnobotany has advanced greatly over the past century not just as a methodological specialization but also as a contributor to archaeological theory. Since its initial focus on diet, environment, and plant domestication, it has expanded to consider issues of social and political dynamics in past human societies. This volume presents some of the current trends in social paleoethnobotany. The authors address several themes including: the collection of wild resources, the domestication of crops, the spread of agriculture, the role of plant remains in questions regarding domestic life, ritual, and gender as well as the broader implications for a socially engaged paleoethnobotany. These studies point a path forward for paleoethnobotany, one that is methodologically rigorous and theoretically engaged in a constantly evolving field.

Ritual and Plant Use at Conchopata: An Andean Middle Horizon Site

This chapter analyzes the patterns of plant use at Middle Horizon sites in the Andes. We present data from the site of Conchopata, near the site of Huari, which was excavated and analyzed based on likely use of this space. The rooms were categorized into ritual or domestic spaces. The plant remains from these areas were examined in order to determine if plant use provides insight into activity use at the site. In the end, the remains recovered from Conchopata leave us with the impression that domestic and ritual life continuously blended together to leave behind a mixed record of daily activity in an early urban center.

Measuring longitudinal student performance on student learning outcomes in sustainability education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the student learning outcomes (SLOs) for a sustainability major, evaluate faculty incorporation of the SLOs into the courses in the sustainability major curriculum and measure student performance on the SLOs from entry into the major to the senior capstone course. Design/methodology/approach Through an iterative approach with a faculty advisory committee, SLOs were developed for the sustainability major. Curriculum mapping followed by evaluation of course syllabi were used to determine the extent to which each course addressed the SLOs. Student performance on most SLOs was measured through student assessment in an introductory and capstone course to evaluate the change in performance over time. Findings The core courses of the sustainability major were more likely to address the SLOs of the major than that of the elective courses. Where measured, student performance on the SLOs increased from the introductory course to the capstone course. Sustainability majors participated in an average of almost ten experiential learning opportunities focused on sustainability. Originality/value This research provides a longitudinal assessment of student learning in an undergraduate sustainability major. Because undergraduate sustainability degrees are generally new, this research can serve as a base upon which to continue to improve sustainability curriculum design.