Cowgill Under the direction of Dr. George Cowgill, Ms. Vicki Cassman will collect data for her doctoral dissertation. She will analyze remains from three prehistoric cemeteries located in Arica, Chile and which date from the period between A.D. 300-1200. Because of the hot and dry climate human remains as well as delicate cultural materials are extremely well preserved, and in addition to ceramic vessels, these prehistoric graves contain abundant textiles. Decades of archaeological research have indicated that this lowland coastal area of Chile has served at least once and perhaps repeatedly as the destination for groups of individuals who moved westward out of the Andean highlands. Ms. Cassman wishes to understand the long-term mechanisms of culture contact and to determine how, over long periods of time interactions developed between host and immigrant groups. She will use stylistic analysis of both interred bodies and included grave goods to achieve this goal. Textiles play an important role in traditional Andean cultures and a great deal of effort goes into their production. Cloth, with its distinctive designs, serves not only utilitarian and decorative purposes, but also functions as an ethnic marker. The designs it contains and the manner in which it is woven reveals both the status and ethnic identity of its wearer. Therefore it provides an excellent medium for the analysis of cultural process. The Andean and Coastal region of Western South America is marked by strong latitudinal zonation. Resources change dramatically with height and different groups both historically, and presumably prehistorically adapted different strategies to assure an adequate supply of different goods needed for survival. In some cases this was achieved through trade, in others through conquest and in others through colonization. Archaeologists wish to understand the range of strategies and to determine the situations in which different approaches were employed. Through the use of mortuary analysis, Ms. Cassman will have a uniquely rich data base to examine this question. The results will be of interest to many archaeologists. The project will also assist in the training of a promising young scientist.
