Analysis of surface and subsurface ceramics in relation to formation processes at the archaeological site of Pirque Alto (CP-11) in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Abstract

The archaeological site of Pirque Alto (CP-11), located in the Parotani valley region of Cochabamba, Bolivia, is a multicomponent site with components dating back as far as the Formative Period up until Inca times. Previous archaeological work done at this site shows that this site has been impacted by both natural and cultural formation processes. This report examines ceramic artifact remains collected from a systematic surface survey of the whole site from 2005 and subsequent excavations conducted during 2007, both of which were done as a part of the Prehistoric Parotani Settlement Project. Comparisons are made between the surface and subsurface ceramic densities and from these comparisons, I determine the extent to which surface and subsurface artifact densities reflect formation processes active at this site. This research seeks to add to our understanding of how difference processes impact the archaeological record from which interpretations are made.