Huaca el Pueblo Archaeological Project
Peru
Summer 2010
Experience the rich cultural history of the Peruvian north coast, with focus on the prolific Moche culture. On this project, you will gain hands-on practice with an array of cultural materials, learning the basic techniques of archaeological survey, excavation, digital mapping and laboratory analysis.
Huaca el Pueblo is a predominately Moche site in the Zaña Valley nearly halfway between Chiclayo and Trujillo in the dry coastal climate. The elite Moche tombs discovered at this site evince complex relations with other Moche centers and royal burials, including Sipán and Dos Cabezas. The site location thus provides a critical view to the development of early state societies in South America.
Located along the Pan-American Highway, participants in the project have easy access to the major north coast cities, with their diverse array of cultural venues and activities.
Please bear in mind that archaeological fieldwork is physically demanding. You have to be reasonably fit, and be willing to do some hard work such as using shovels and wheelbarrows. Learn more about the project on its Web site.