Definition: Valdivia culture is the name given by archaeologists to the beginnings of settlement life in Ecuador, South America, between about 3500-1500 BC, roughly coeval with the beginnings of the Caral civilization. The type site is called Valdivia, discovered by Emilio Estrada and excavated by Betty J. Meggers and Clifford Evans in the early 1960s. Valdivia was considered by Meggers and Evans as evidence of trans-pacific connections, based on perceived similarities in ceramic decoration. Most researchers no longer agree with their conclusions, and believe that the ceramics show relationships with other South American cultures. More recent investigations into sites such as Real Alto by Betsy Hill, James Zeidler and Deborah Pearsall suggest that the 'classic' period of Valdivia can be described as sedentary farming and fishing villages.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Examples:
Valdivia, Loma Alta, Colimes, San Pablo, Real Alto (all in Ecuador).
