Definition: Located in Callejon de Huaylas, Ancash,
Peru, Guitarrero Cave contains evidence of human occupations beginning at least 10,000 years ago, and perhaps as early as 12,500 years ago.
The oldest date taken from the site was an AMS date from charcoal to 12,560 years BP. Artifacts in this level included simple flake tools, steep-edged scraper tools, a bifacial knife, a piece of red ochre, and a human mandible.
Above that was a series of Archaic period campfires, dated between about 10,500 years ago and 9,000 years ago. Wood, bone, antler, and fiber cordage artifacts were recovered from these levels, as were willow leaf, tanged, lanceolate, and concave base Ichuna/Arcata projectile points. A single grinding slab and a bone flesher were also recovered from this part of the site.
More recent levels include Early and Middle Horizon occupations, cist tombs, and wall paintings between about 1000 BC-AD 1000.
Discovered in the late 1960s, the site has absolutely wonderful preservation. Remarkably, textiles, wood and leather tools, and basketry have been preserved at this site. Some evidence of early domesticated beans (Phaseolus), chili, corn and other cultivars have been argued for Guitarrero as well.
The oldest date taken from the site was an AMS date from charcoal to 12,560 years BP. Artifacts in this level included simple flake tools, steep-edged scraper tools, a bifacial knife, a piece of red ochre, and a human mandible.
Above that was a series of Archaic period campfires, dated between about 10,500 years ago and 9,000 years ago. Wood, bone, antler, and fiber cordage artifacts were recovered from these levels, as were willow leaf, tanged, lanceolate, and concave base Ichuna/Arcata projectile points. A single grinding slab and a bone flesher were also recovered from this part of the site.
More recent levels include Early and Middle Horizon occupations, cist tombs, and wall paintings between about 1000 BC-AD 1000.
Discovered in the late 1960s, the site has absolutely wonderful preservation. Remarkably, textiles, wood and leather tools, and basketry have been preserved at this site. Some evidence of early domesticated beans (Phaseolus), chili, corn and other cultivars have been argued for Guitarrero as well.
Sources
Lynch, Thomas F., R. Gillespie, John A. J. Gowlett, and R. E. M. Hedges. 1985 Chronology of Guitarrero Cave, Peru. Science 229 864-867.
Lynch, Thomas F. and Kenneth A. R. Kennedy 1970 Early Human Cultural and Skeletal Remains from Guitarrero Cave, Northern Peru. Science 169:1307-1309.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
