Pikillacta: The Wari Empire in Cuzco

7 Dating Pikillacta

7 Dating฀Pikillacta mary฀glowacki Despite the fact that Pikillacta is a single component site, dating its construction and occupation has proved to be somewhat problematic. Absolute and relative dating methods have generated inconsistent data sets, making it difficult to assess the site’s temporal parameters. This chapter presents these data, attempts to reconcile them, and concludes by proposing a site chronology of the Wari expansion into the larger south Highland region. Absolute Dating: Radiocarbon Samples from Pikillacta A total of ten radiocarbon samples were collected by Gordon McEwan and the Pikillacta Project (McEwan 1984b: 227, Appendix I; personal communication 1993). Nine samples were recovered from Sectors 2 and 4 and one from the site’s trash midden (table 7.1). Sector 2 was the most heavily occupied area of the site, having generated the most artifacts (primarily pottery) from room excavations. Sector 2 excavations revealed the remains of fully completed structures with plastered walls and floors and thatched roofs. A number of its structures had also been refurbished several times (McEwan 1991a: 7–12), the best example being the chambers and patio of Structure 17-2B (McEwan, this volume and 1996: 9). Four of the six Sector 2 radiocarbon samples were wood or carbonized wood associated with the construction of two structures, Structures 39-2B and 37-1C. A fifth sample, also wood, was found on the floor of Structure 12-2A; it had likely been associated with Wari activity carried out there. The sixth, a sample of charcoal, was recovered from the floor of Structure 33-2B, likewise having been associated with Wari activities there. Excavations of various Type III small conjoined buildings, which comprise the majority of Sector 4, revealed that while construction was far along, many rooms, specifically the floors, were unfinished (chapter 3, this volume ). Nonetheless, a number exhibited evidence of use, such as fire hearths Table 7.1. Radiocarbon Dates from Pikillacta Laboratory Uncalibrated Calibrated Date Date Sample Type of Number Date (95% Probability) Collected Material Context Tx 3996 1100 ± 60 B.P. A.D. 880–1045 and A.D. 1105–1115 1979 Pispita vine Interior of wall of Unit 12, Sector 4 A.D. 850 ± 60 Curve intercept A.D. 995 Tx 4247 1140 ± 60 B.P. A.D. 800–1030 1979 Pispita vine Interior of wall of Unit 12, Sector 4 A.D. 810 ± 60 Curve intercept A.D. 975 Tx 4747 1430 ± 370 B.P. A.D. 165–1305 1982 Charcoal Structure 24-4D, hearth at bottom of Unit 30, Sector 4 A.D. 520 ± 370 Curve intercept A.D. 665 Tx 4750 1350 ± 60 B.P. A.D. 640–875 1982 Charcoal Midden in Canchon 2 A.D. 600 ± 60 Curve intercept A.D. 690 Tx 4751 1430 ± 90 B.P. A.D. 530–825 and A.D. 825–855 1982 Wood Associated with plaster floor in Unit 16B–D, Sector 2 A.D. 520 ± 90 Curve intercept A.D. 655 Beta 43230 1150 ± 80 B.P. A.D. 770–1040 1989 Charcoal Associated with surface of plaster floor in Unit 36, Sector 2 A.D. 800 ± 80 Curve intercept A.D. 970 Beta 43231 1290 ± 60 B.P. A.D. 665–905 and A.D. 920–950 1989 Wood Fragment of lintel beam found in situ in doorway of Unit 43A3, A.D. 660 ± 60 Curve intercept A.D. 780 Sector 2 Beta 43232 1180 ± 60 B.P. A.D. 775–1015 1989 Charcoal Burned upper floor support from Unit 37B2, Sector 2 A.D. 770 ± 60 Curve intercept A.D. 895 Beta 43233 1060 ± 50 B.P. A.D. 960–1065 and A.D. 1075–1155 1989 Carbonized Burned upper floor support found in Unit 43A3, Sector 2 A.D. 890 ± 50 Curve intercept A.D. 1015 wood Beta 43234 1330 ± 60 B.P. A.D. 650–885 1989 Wood Upper floor support found in collapsed floor of Unit 37B2, A.D. 620 ± 60 Curve intercept A.D. 705 Sector 2 Dating Pikillacta | 117 for cooking (McEwan 1984b: 104, 111–113). Two radiocarbon samples of braided vine cord were recovered from a wall of a Type III structure, Structure 104-4B. Another sample, of charcoal , was collected from the floor of Structure 24-4D, found in association with a hearth and broken fragments of Wari pottery. This structure , initially classified by McEwan as a Type III structure (at one time referred to...