Cataloging the Precontact Andes: A Comprehensive Material Study of Spondylus, the Sacred Shell

Precontact Andean societies have used the vibrant mollusk, Spondylus, for over 5,000 years. Although the shell originated in Ecuador and northern Peru, it was widely employed in offerings, jewelry, and elite iconography throughout the central Andes. Despite extensive archaeological research on Spondylus shells in the Andes, no comprehensive database existed for these unique bivalves. In this dissertation, I analyzed archaeological publications to compile a dataset of Spondylus from various periods and regions, including Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. This project applied assemblage theory to map both individual Spondylus deposits and their broader context, in order to examine how these shells were used in the past. The study has three main findings: Spondylus exchange and use were linked to broader socio-political events, leading to regional differences in shell utilization. Second, Spondylus played a key role in the consecration and closure of precontact architecture. Lastly, the shell continued to be used during the early colonial period. This study consolidates data on Spondylus artifacts and provides a current repository for shell data. It also demonstrates the usefulness of assemblage theory for studying material culture across time and space.

Author dc:creator

• Ashley E Vance (23291542)

• Anthropology
• Archaeology

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.31451320.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31451320