Definition: Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello is considered the father of modern archaeology in Peru, and is probably most closely associated with the Chavín culture. Educated at the College of Osma in Lima and then Harvard University, Tello returned to Peru with Ales Hrdlicka in the 1910s; and in 1924, he founded the Museo de Arqueología Peruana.
Tello was instrumental in creating public laws in Peru protecting archaeological resources. He conducted archaeological excavations at Cahuachi, Chavín de Huantar, Sechin Alto and other sites associated with the Chavin and Wari empires.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
