Shelia Pozorski

Archaeological manioc (Manihot) from Coastal Peru

Preserved remains of manioc(Manihot) from 6 archaeological sites in the Casma Valley of Peru are illustrated and described. The combined collections from these sites total 197 pieces of root, 32 bark fragments, 22 pieces of stem, 4 capsules, and 2 leaf twigs. Based on radiocarbon assays, the specimens range in age from 1800 B.C. to A.D. 1532. This collection of sweet manioc is unique for its age, number, and wealth of different plant parts. A theory on the place of origin and time of domestication of these ancient cultivars is given in the conclusions of this paper.

New evidence for ancient cultivation ofCanna edulis in Peru

Preserved rhizomes ofCanna edulis from 5 archaeological sites in the Casma Valley of Peru are illustrated and described. These were identified by their extant surface features and by their starch grains, which are different from those of any other known flowering plant species. Based on radiocarbon assays, these specimens range in date from 2250–295 B.C. Materials used for comparative purposes in this study included a collection of edible canna from the Peruvian archaeological site of Pachacamac and a modern-day specimen. A theory on the place of origin and time of domestication of this species is given in the conclusions of this paper.

Exploring access control at Taukachi Tardío

Abstract Taukachi Tardío is a site of the Casma Culture or Casma Polity that dates to the Middle Horizon (AD 600-1000) and Late Intermediate Period (A.D. 1000-1470). It functioned as a checkpoint and possible repository alongside a major valley access route from the north into the Sechín Branch of the Casma Valley. Excavations there revealed that visitors were channeled through a narrow corridor and staircase system. A room with six grinding stones documents communal food preparation, and other areas of the main structure likely temporarily housed goods or people entering the valley. Taukachi Tardío provides insights into Casma Culture administrative practices, specifically the degree of intervalley access control. The short time span represented at this administrative outlier should also help us better understand the internal chronology at the nearby polity center of El Purgatorio.Taukachi Tardío es un sitio de la cultura Casma o la política de Casma que data del Horizonte Medio (600-1000 dC) y el Período Intermedio Tardío (1000-1470 dC). Funcionaba como un posible repositorio de control junto con una ruta de acceso principal del valle desde el norte hacia la rama Sechín del valle de Casma. Las excavaciones revelaron que allí los visitantes se canalizaron a través de un estrecho corredor y un sistema de escalera. Un cuarto con seis batanes documenta la preparación de alimentos comunal, y otras áreas de la estructura principal probablemente alojaban temporalmente los bienes o personas que entran en el valle. Taukachi Tardío proporciona información detallada sobre las prácticas administrativas de la cultura Casma, en particular el grado de control de acceso entre valles. El corto espacio de tiempo representado en este sitio administrativo también debe ayudarnos a entender mejor la cronología interna en el centro de la política cercana de El Purgatorio.