The Transformations of Complex N1 during the Late Horizon (AD1470-1534), Chincha Valley, Perú

The Chincha Valley of Peru has been the subject of archaeological studies since the 1920s due to its rich ethnohistoric record and wealth of archaeological sites with excellent preservation. This presentation will share recent data from Complex N1 at the site of Las Huacas. Las Huacas is a large 105-hectare agricultural center that was occupied since the Early Intermediate Period (AD200-600) into the Colonial Period (AD 1534-1821). Research in 2017 and 2018 focused on excavations within a 12 x 8-meter room and the Late Horizon (AD 1470-1534) occupation of Complex N1. During the Late Horizon, the Chincha were incorporated into the Inca Empire and were granted a prestigious position. Excavations of the room within Complex N1 recovered a wealth of information about craft production, mortuary traditions, and architectural transformations during this dynamic time period. The talk will conclude by introducing future directions for the investigations which will provide important details on how the inhabitants of Las Huacas were affected by Inca expansion.