Continuity and change in pottery production practices in Conchucos: new data from Reparin (750 BCE − 200 CE), Ancash, Peru

Abstract

Reparin is a multi-component site that was occupied during Chavín times (750–400 BCE), destroyed and reoccupied by the Huarás culture (400–200 BCE), and subsequently transformed into a Recuay settlement (50/80–200 CE). Located 30 km north of Chavín de Huántar, Reparin provides insights on these pivotal cultural transformations from the perspective of the Chavín heartland in Conchucos. Archaeological data from Conchucos shows major changes in pottery production took place at some point between the Early Horizon (750–200 BCE) and Recuay occupations (50/80–200 CE). This paper clarifies the timing of these transitions and traces the evolution of pottery production through a geochemical and petrographic study (n = 27) of the Reparin ceramic assemblage (n = 646), which identified at least 10 distinct petro-groups. Certain continuities in ceramic technological practice suggest ceramic genealogies of practice link Reparin’s Early Horizon and Recuay occupations. However, the intensification of slate tempering around 50/80–200 CE indicates important technological shifts took place by early Recuay times.