Lima Culture
Lima Culture, which thrived on the central coast of Peru from approximately 200 to 700 AD, is recognized for its significant contributions to pre-Columbian civilization through advanced architecture, pottery, and social organization. The culture flourished in the valleys of Chancay, Chillón, Rimac, and Lurín, characterized by fortified settlements and impressive pyramids constructed from adobe bricks. The largest center of this culture was Maranga, covering 370 acres and featuring the monumental Huaca San Marcos, which stood 98 feet high and included extensive residential areas for the elite. Lima artisans were particularly known for their pottery, which showcased distinctive designs featuring interlocking fish and serpents, rendered in white, red, and black hues. The culture’s artistic expressions also included depictions of warriors and battle scenes, reflecting their societal values and interests. Lima Culture's influence persisted for over four centuries, leaving behind a rich archaeological legacy that continues to offer insights into their sophisticated way of life. Overall, the Lima Culture presents a fascinating study of early urban development and artistic achievement in ancient Peru.
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Lima Culture
Date: 200 b.c.e.-600 c.e.
Locale: Central Andes
Lima Culture
The Lima culture was in the central coast region of Peru: Pachacamac, Maranga, Pucllana, Culebras, and Cajamarquilla. Its valley regions—Chancay, Chillón, Rimac, and Lurín—had fortresses and fortified settlements. Drawings of warriors, battle scenes, and trophy heads were obsessions of coastal artists. The Lima culture flourished for over 400 years and developed advanced forms of technology, art, and social organization. The two most salient features of the Lima culture are its architecture and pottery, both of which have provided archaeologists with valuable information. The principal characteristic of the architecture was the use of adobe bricks to construct pyramids. The pottery was white, red, and black and was decorated with interlocking fish and serpents. The largest population center of the Lima culture was Maranga, located in the Rimac valley. Maranga covered 370 acres (149 hectares), and its largest monumental platform was Huaca San Marcos, which measured at its base 985 by 395 feet (300 by 120 meters) and stood 98 feet (30 meters) high. The structure was surrounded by rooms and walled enclosures, one of which measured 109 acres (44 hectares) and may have served as a residence for Maranga’s upper class.
Bibliography
Lanning, Edward P. Peru Before the Incas. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1967.
Von Hagen, Adriana, and Craig Morris. The Cities of the Ancient Andes. London: Thames and Hudson, 1998.