The Andean region is among the most fascinating and well-known centers of civilization. While understanding the Andes in local terms is crucial, Andean prehistory is also relevant to the comparative study of complex societies worldwide. This book addresses the need to explore the rich history of this region in a manner that is illuminating not only to Andean scholars, but also to those readers who may be less familiar with Andean prehistory and its non-Western principles of organization. Andean Archaeology has been designed explicitly for students, archaeologists, and general readers looking for an innovative and contemporary overview of this important area of archaeological study.

Andean Archaeologyexplores the rise of civilization in the Central Andes from the time of the region's earliest inhabitants to the emergence of the Inca state many thousands of years later. The volume progresses chronologically and culturally to reveal the processes by which multiple Andean societies became increasingly complex. Comprising thirteen newly commissioned chapters written by leading archaeologists, Andean Archaeologypresents the central debates in contemporary Inca and Andean archaeology. By drawing together the work of various researchers, this volume provides a multi-vocal perspective, informed by diverse theoretical frameworks and representing current thinking in the field.

“The publication of Andean Archaeologyis long overdue and a relief to those who teach the subject. It offers state-of-the-art summaries of exciting advances, especially concerning little-known pre-Incan civilisations.” New Scientist

"I became really excited when I first saw Helaine Silverman's edited volume... Andean Archaelogy, I thought, could indeed become a source of core texts for undergraduate courses... The thirteen chapters provide a mix of balanced scholarly review and pushy polemics dotted with flashes of thoughtful insight." Alexander Herrera, in Archaeological Review from Cambridge

This book provides an introduction to one of the most fascinating and well-known centers of ancient civilization.

Helaine Silvermanis Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her books include Ancient Nasca Settlement and Society (2002), The Place and Space of Death (edited with David B. Small, 2002), Andean Archaeology I: Variations in Sociopolitical Organization and Andean Archaeology II: Art, Landscape, and Society (both edited with William H. Isbell, 2002), and The Nasca(with Donald A. Proulx, Blackwell, 2002).

Series Editors’ Preface.

Editor’s Preface.

List of Figures and Tables.

List of Contributors.

1. Introduction: Helaine Silverman (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign).

2. The First Settlers: Tom D. Dillehay, Duccio Bonavia, and Peter Kaulicke (University of Kentucky, Universidad Peruana Cayetano, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú).

3. Cultural Transformations in the Central Andean Late Archaic: Jonathan Haas and Winifred Creamer (Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, and Northern Illinois University).

4. Building Authority at Chavín de Huántar: Models of Social Organization and Development in the Initial Period and Early Horizon: Silvia Rodriguez Kembel and John W. Rick (University of Pittsburgh and Stanford University).

5. Life, Death, and Ancestors: Lisa DeLeonardis and George F. Lau (Johns Hopkins University and University of East Anglia).

6. The Art of Moche Politics: Garth Bawden (University of New Mexico).

7. Clothing the Social World: Ran Boytner (University of California, Los Angeles).

8. Wari Art and Society: Anita G. Cook (Catholic University of America).

9. Experiencing the Cities of Wari and Tiwanaku: William H. Isbell and Alexei Vranich (SUNY-Binghamton and University of Pennsylvania).

10. Household and City in Tiwanaku: John W. Janusek (Vanderbilt University).

11. Late Prehispanic Sociopolitical Complexity: Christina Conlee, Jalh Dulanto, Carol J. Mackey, and Charles Stanish (University of California, Santa Barbara, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, California State University, Northridge, and University of California, Los Angeles).

12. Knowing the Inca Past: Juha Hiltunen and Gordon F. McEwan (University of Oulu, Finland, and Wagner College).

13. Andean Empires: Terence N. D’Altroy and Katharina Schreiber (Columbia University and University of California, Santa Barbara).

Cumulative Bibliography.

Index