Forming Techniques of Ychsma Cephalomorphic Bottles and Cara-Golletes from Pachacamac, Peru

Abstract

Ychsma was a hierarchical society centered on the Lurín and Rímac valleys of Peru’s central coast during the Late Intermediate Period (1000–1470 CE). During the Late Horizon (1470–1532 CE), it was the subject of intense investment and transformation by the Inka, most notably in the administrative and pilgrimage center of Pachacamac. Using X-radiography to evaluate forming methods and techniques, we compare two similar Ychsma forms of pottery: cephalomorphic bottles, dating to earlier Ychsma periods, and cara-golletes, dating to later Inka periods. We find that these forms, though similar in shape and appearance, were formed using very different methods.