The Nazca Civilization
Nazca is an archaeological culture of Ancient Peru that basically developed in the valleys of the current department of Ica,
around the 1st century and fell into decline in the 7th century.
Coiled between 200 B.C. and the 600 of our era, the Nazca culture was established in the Peruvian region of Ica. Its capital, Cahuachi,
was on the banks of the river.
Key points
Early Nazca society was made up of local chiefdoms and regional centers of power centered around the ritual site of Cahuachi.
The Nazca are known for their Nazca Lines—geometric shapes, lines, and animal figures carved into the desert floor.
Like the Moche, the Nazca decline was likely due to environmental changes.
The Nazca civilization flourished on the southern coast of Peru between 200 BCE and 600 CE.
They settled in the Nazca and other surrounding valleys with their principal religious and urban
sites being Cahuachi and Ventilla.
The Nazca extended their influence into the Pisco Valley in the north and the Acari Valley in the south.
In addition, as llamas, alpaca and vicuna do not survive in the coastal areas the use of their wool in Nazca textiles is evidence that trade was established with highland cultures.Trophy-heads are also frequently incorporated into textile designs, especially in miniature and as border decoration.
There were also burials of what appear to be sacrificial victims.
These have the eyes blocked and excrement was placed in the mouth which was then pinned shut with cactus needles.
Alternatively, the tongue was removed and kept in a cloth pouch.
Agriculture And Diet
Nazca subsistence was based largely on agriculture.
Iconography on ceramics and excavated remains indicate that the Nazca people had a varied diet, including:
- Maize
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Manioc (also known as Yuca)
- Achira
- Small amounts of fish
- Peanuts
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