Valdivia

Early Formative period site on Ecuador's coast, and the name of a Formative period culture c 3200 BC. The type-site flourished beginning sometime before 3800 BC and lasting until c 1400 BC. Its pottery is among the oldest in the New World. Radiocarbon dates, stratification of midden deposits, and considerable stylistic variation in the highly distinctive ceramic complex have facilitated the construction of a chronology. The periods are: A: 3200-2300 BC; B: 2300-2000 BC; C: 2000-1500 BC and D: 1500-1400 BC. Characteristically, ceramics have a gray body, are smoothly polished and decorated with incision, rocker stamping, and appliqué. Decoration is typically only on the upper part of the vessel and all vessels are utilitarian rather than ritual. Periods C and D contained some traded sherds from Machalilla. Figurines in stone and ceramic appear after Period B with the ceramics usually portraying stylized nude females often with a distinctive 'page boy' hairstyle. Valdivia sites consist of coastal shell mounds left by fishermen and shellfish collectors, and also villages (Real Alto) of maize farmers.

A series of Early Formative Period sites on the central coast of Ecuador with a long ceramic sequence (c3200-1400 be) which includes some of the ealiest pottery in south America (see also Puerto Hormiga). Radiocarbon dates, stratification of midden deposits, and considerable stylistic variation in the highly distinctive ceramic complex have facilitated the construction of a chronology. The periods are A: 3200-2300 be; B: 2300-2000 be; C: 2000-1500 be and D: 1500-1400 be. Characteristically, ceramics have a grey body, are smoothly polished and decorated with a variety of techniques, including incision, rocker stamping and applique. Decoration is typically only on the upper part of the vessel and all vessels are utilitarian rather than ritual. Periods C and D contained some traded sherds from Machalilla. Other artefacts suggest a sea-oriented subsistence pattern (fish-hooks, sinkers etc), although food grinding implements and deer bone have also been found. Figurines in stone and ceramic appear after Period B with the ceramics usually portraying stylized nude females often with a distinctive ‘page boy’ hairstyle. The seemingly ‘sudden’ appearance of a well-developed ceramic tradition at Valdivia poses considerable problems of origin for South American archaeologists. Some propose a connection with the Jomon tradition in Japan, while others suggest that a native precursor remains to be found.