Description
Book SynopsisThis text looks at the legendary puquios of Nasca, the underground aqueduct system built by Incans which is arguably responsible for this strange abundance of water.
Trade Review. . . it puts the subsistence economy firmly back into the archaeology of ancient complex societies and it revives general debates about the relationship between control of water and development of social inequality and political power. . . . This volume is specifically written for the specialist in south coast archaeology and it amply fulfills this goal. Moreover, the style of writing is so engaging that others may find this topic intriguing. Lexington [Books] and the authors are to be thanked for making available these fascinating data. * Journal of Latin American Anthropology *
This worthy and meticulous study of a precolumbian irrigation system on the desert south coast of Peru is most especially notable for two reasons that transcend its particular geo-cultural focus. First, the book should receive widespread praise for its focus on "irrigation and society." It is healthy for the profession to be reminded of the fundamental fact that 'human populations require food' and that 'agriculture requires a detailed knowledge of the natural environment.' Second, the equitable collaboration of a U.S. academic archaeologist with a local intellectual sets a high ethical standard for the conduct of research and career management that should be emulated. -- Helaine Silverman, Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Nasca: Jewel of the Peruvian South Coast Chapter 2 The Natural Environment and Hydrology of Nasca: The Problem of the Lack of Water Chapter 3 Puquios: The Solution to the Problem Chapter 4 Puquios of the Nasca Irrigation Sector Chapter 5 Puquios of the Aja Irrigation Sector Chapter 6 Puquios of the Tierras Blancas Irrigation Sector Chapter 7 Puquios of the Taruga Irrigation Sector Chapter 8 Puquios of the Las Trancas Irrigation Sector Chapter 9 The Dating of the Puquios Chapter 10 Conclusion: The Role of the Puquios in Ancient Nasca Society
