Overview
This lecture by Professor John Verano explores the archaeological and osteological evidence for warfare, violence, and ritual human sacrifice among the Moche culture of ancient Peru, focusing on recent discoveries, interpretations from art and architecture, and forensic analysis of skeletal remains.
Introduction to the Moche
- The Moche were a pre-Columbian culture in coastal Peru, active from AD 100 to 900.
- Known for large adobe pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun and Moon), realistic ceramics, and advanced metallurgy.
- Their territory covered several river valleys over about 500 kilometers.
Moche Art, Iconography, and Rituals
- Moche ceramics often depict narratives of warrior combat, captive-taking, and ritual sacrifice.
- Fine line pottery and mural art show warriors battling, stripping captives, and sacrificing them in ceremonial settings.
- Scenes often display bloodletting, throat-slitting, and the presentation of blood to elite figures or deities.
Archaeological Evidence for Violence and Sacrifice
- Scientific excavations at sites like Huaca de la Luna revealed mass graves of sacrificial victims.
- Victims were mostly young, healthy males with healed and fresh battle wounds.
- Evidence includes rope bindings, cut marks (especially throat slashing), and trauma from clubs.
Treatment and Use of Sacrificial Victims
- Some bodies show signs of defleshing, trophy head preparation, and post-mortem manipulation.
- Broken ceramic figurines of captives and modified human skulls suggest trophies and ritual reuse.
- Victims were often incorporated into architectural features, reinforcing the symbolic role of sacrifice.
Victim Identity and Warfare Interpretation
- Osteological and biochemical studies (teeth morphology, DNA, oxygen isotopes) suggest victims were often outsiders.
- Moche warfare was not just ritualistic but involved real violence and the capture and execution of enemies.
- The scale of sacrifice was small compared to cultures like the Aztecs and mostly limited to adult males.
Distinctions in Sacrifice Practices
- Different treatment for sacrificial victims (violent, public execution) versus retainer burials (gentle, strangulation) in elite tombs.
- Evidence of selective (not mass) sacrifice, possibly as displays of power or responses to crises like El Niño events.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Osteology — the scientific study of bones.
- Trepanation — ancient cranial surgery involving drilling or scraping the skull.
- Iconography — the study and interpretation of visual imagery and symbols in art.
- Huaca de la Luna — "Pyramid of the Moon," a major Moche temple complex.
- Tinku — a ritual battle custom in the Andes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review related readings on Moche art and iconography.
- Visit the local museum’s Moche collection if possible.
- Prepare questions for next class discussion on ritual violence in ancient societies.