Initial Period

The period of 1800-900 BC marking the introduction of pottery in Andean South America. It was also the time when agriculture and animal husbandry began to be the subsistence base for most cultures in the area. It is one of a seven-period chronological construction used in Peruvian archaeology. Its close is marked by the occurrence of Chavin materials and the abandonment of many of the coastal centers. Many of the traits that make up the Peruvian cultural tradition such as intensive agriculture, the widespread use of textiles, monumental ceremonial architecture, and larger and more numerous population centers, occurred during this period.

One of a seven-period chronological construction used in Peruvian archaeology and sometimes employed in other Andean areas. Covering the period 1800-900 bc, its beginning is marked by the first appearance of pottery and its close by the occurrence of Chavin materials. Many of the traits that make up the Peruvian cultural tradition (such as intensive agriculture, the widespread use of textiles, and larger and more numerous population centres) occur during this period. See Table 9, page 552.