This article presents a review of funerary sites from the Preceramic Period of the Central Andes (14,500–3,800 BP). Textiles played a central role in the culture of the region’s Pre-Columbian societies, beginning in the early Holocene, and became an integral part of funerary traditions until the ethnographic present. The role and place of braided and woven objects (mats, clothing, nets, etc.) was not limited to their use as accompanying grave goods. Complicated operational chain (chaîne opératoire) and profound symbolism permeating every stage of textile creation and use are clearly expressed in the material culture of pre-Hispanic societies. This is reflected in the most detailed manner in complexes of the late Preceramic Period (the sites of Huaca Prieta, Bandurria, Asia, La Galgada, and others). The complex and elaborate iconography and the abundance of textiles in the burials attest to a developed system of religious beliefs, which are imprinted on the finished objects. Textile traditions are no less fully represented in the Chinchorro culture, where complex woven mats were an integral part of religious beliefs and funerary practices.
Key words: South America, Pacific archaeology, Preceramic period, funerary traditions, archaeological textiles, cotton cultivation, art, ritual
DOI: 10.22250/20728662-2026-1-86-96
About the authors
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Grigory A. Eloshkin – 2st year master student, Humanitarian Institute of Novosibirsk State University;1 Pirogova str., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia; g.eloshkin@g.nsu.ru |
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Andrei V. Tabarev – Ph.D. (History), Associate Professor, Chief scientific officer, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS; 17 Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |