Archaeological Reconnaissance in Arequipa, Peru

Prior to this summer, I had been involved in archaeological research in Germany and Peru. Previously in Peru, I worked on the north coast just outside of Trujillo. For this trip, I set out to get to know the people and landscapes of four regions in the highlands of Peru. Approximately 3 weeks each were spent in the provinces of Arequipa and Ayacucho. I also spent one week in Cuzco and another in Junin. In the city of Arequipa, I attended a symposium and got into contact with local researchers at several museums. I also spent a good amount of time in and around the town of Cabanaconde in the lower Colca valley. Here I met local landowners, officials, guides, and other researchers. I visited archaeological sites, took photographs, and even made preliminary maps while investigating prehistoric domestic architecture and agricultural terraces. In Ayacucho, I met with local archaeologists and did some survey around the valleys of Ayacucho and Huanta. We surveyed the land for sites, structures, artifacts, and agricultural land. In Cuzco and Junin, I met with local archaeologists and professors and visited sites. In each location, I accomplished similar things. I made contact with people that will be important to know should I undertake dissertation research in one of these regions. I collected preliminary data so that future decisions on research and research design are better informed. Finally, I became acquainted with the people, the archaeology, and the politics of archaeological research in each region to better understand what will be needed to commence my dissertation research.