Early Horizon gold metallurgy from Campanayuq Rumi in the Peruvian south-central highlands

Abstract

Early Horizon (800-200 cal. B.C.) gold artifacts are well known because of their artistic and technological sophistication. This article presents new data for Early Horizon gold metallurgy from the Peruvian south-central highlands by providing descriptions of a gold artifact and ceramic casting mold recovered from the site of Campanayuq Rumi. These objects indicate a technological innovation from techniques employing simple hammering common in Initial Period metallurgy from the south-central highlands and could have related to the pan-regional influence of the Chavín phenomenon.