José M. Capriles Flores:
      Early Camelid Pastoralism in the Highlands of Bolivia

I am currently conducting archaeological research focused on the origins and early development of camelid (i.e., llamas and alpacas) pastoralism in the Bolivian Andes. The project integrates multidisciplinary information at various scales, from the regional (survey and reconstruction of herding settlement patterns) to the site specific (excavation of structures and activity areas associated with animal management and disposal of food) to make a comprehensive assessment of pastoralism during the Formative Period (1500 B.C. – A.D. 400) in the Iroco region of Oruro, Bolivia.

Camelid pastoralism has been identified as a key factor in the emergence of complex societies in the south central Andes and specifically as a major component of the political economy of the Tiwanaku state (A.D. 400-1100). Nevertheless, little is known about the development of this economic strategy. The results of the project will contribute empirical data with which to evaluate and characterize Formative Period camelid pastoralism. As a zooarchaeologist, I am particularly interested in the bone remains and what they can inform about the nature of faunal consumption and camelid resource extraction. Salient issues related with this project include the examination of the generalized management strategies employed to extract animal products and animal energy sources to enhance the local prehistoric economy.

For the host country as well as my native country, Bolivia, the project will provide information and awareness about the cultural and historical heritage of the Oruro region. Moreover, carrying out the fieldwork and analysis phases of the project in coordination with local academic institutions such as Unidad Nacional de Arqueología, Universidad Técnica de Oruro, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, and Colección Boliviana de Fauna will provide opportunities to forester academic cooperation as well as training students in different archaeological methods and techniques. Finally, the results of the project will help to provide a better understanding of the historical trajectory of camelid use, which has long been, one of the most important ways of life for indigenous communities of the Bolivian Andes.