Abstract
The enigmatic naipes, the I-shaped, standardized, arsenical copper sheet artifacts occur in a few to thousands of bundles in elite Sicán tombs on the northern north coast of Peru. Examination of their production process, use contexts, spatio-temporal parameters, and levels of standardization show them to be Middle Sicán (900-1100 CE) in time and cultural origin and locally produced. Naipes seemed to have served two context-dependent purposes as the key standardized medium of exchange in the Middle Sicán-early Manteño interregional trade (naipes in exchange for whole mullu and their beads) and as a prestige items for Middle Sicán elite rituals and tombs. Their economic role and significance in one context coexisted with those of social and symbolic character in another. Product standardization is neither restricted to a particular mode of production or type of product nor is it dictated by a technical-technological or economic factor.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
