Cahuachi in the ancient Nasca world /

A study for advanced students and experts in Andean archaeology. Answers to questions about the nature of Nasca society and culture and the function of Cahuachi come in the course of some 23 chapters of clearly presented archaeological discussion, with excellent maps, figures, and photographs. Cahuachi was not the urban capital of a state or mini-empire, as previously supposed; rather, it was a ceremonial center with a minimal record of permanent occupation. As the sacred focus of pilgrimage, it accounts for the geographic distribution of the universally renowned Nasca ceramic style. Its significance came not as the consequence of political expansion but rather from shared religious vision that brought far-flung communities together for a common, cosmic purpose. Those expecting a great deal of discussion of famous "Nasca lines" will need to look elsewhere. The "geoglyphs" near Cahuachi are accounted for as reflections of the sacred geomythic and social functions of the site, somewhat akin to the "ceque" system around Cuzco. M. J. Mixco; University of Utah