Chavin and the Origins of Andean Civilization

Chavin and the Origins of Andean Civilization by Burger, Richard L.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780500050699.

Of the six independent centers of civilization in world prehistory, probably the least well known is that which developed in the central Andes. At Chavin de Huantar, high up in the mountains, South Americas oldest complex society arose during the first millennium BC. The Chavin style dominated Peruvian art and architecture for hundreds of years and influenced all that came after. But what was the exact nature of this style? How did Chavin civilization develop, and why did it eventually collapse? New answers are emerging after unprecedented discoveries made over the past two decades by Peruvian, Japanese, French, German and American archaeologists. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of these findings, including his own excavations at Chavin and elsewhere, Professor Burger argues - controversially - that the first monumental architecture and great art in the Andes were created by economically egalitarian pre-Chavin societies. It is now known that the early Peruvians built massive truncated pyramids, as ancient as those of Old Kingdom Egypt, within the context of pre-state cultures. Chavin civilization represents a synthesis of these traditions, forged through the impact of long-distance trade and a new religious ideology. Throughout this volume - the first detailed up-to-date treatment in English of Chavin and its significance - special attention is paid to the unique character of early Andean civilization and the distinctive processes responsible for its development. Accompanied by a wealth of photographs, drawings and maps, this groundbreaking work will be of great interest to art historians as well as archaeologists and students of comparative civilization.