Work

Wari Lithic Technology on the Northern Coast of the Andes: Geochemical, 2D Geometric Morphometric, and Technological Analyses of Obsidian Bifaces From San José de Moro

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study examines Wari obsidian production in a cache of 39 bifaces found at the Late Moche site of San José de Moro (Jequetepeque Valley, North Coast of Peru, 700–850 ad ). Portable X‐ray fluorescence, geometric morphometric, and technological analyses were used to investigate raw material provenance and bifacial production. The artifacts were made from obsidian obtained from two major Andean sources, Alca‐1 and Quispisisa. The assemblage shows recurrent shape regularities, but not strict uniformity: bifaces differ in reduction strategies, structural configuration, and variability between sources. These differences are best understood as technical choices made within a shared Wari technological framework.

Source: Archaeometry

DOI: 10.1111/arcm.70123

Authors: Antonio Pérez‐Balarezo, Luis Jaime Castillo, Jalh Dulanto

Institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350

Funders: Sorbonne Université, University of California, Los Angeles