LA-ICP-MS and petrography to assess ceramic interaction networks and production patterns in Kuntur Wasi, Peru

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and petrographic analyses helped us assess the provenance and distribution network of 128 ceramic and comparative materials from the ceremonial site of Kuntur Wasi (950-50 BCE), in the Department of Cajamarca, in the northern Peruvian highlands. The chemical and mineral analyses evidenced different production strategies and technological traditions over time, with various areas of manufacture and producers mining different clay and temper resources near Kuntur Wasi. The first two archaeological phases (Idolo and Kuntur Wasi) show ceramic imports along with local production with volcanic material. During the third phase (Copa) a production shift is observed, ceramic imports decreased, and a new potting community produced on an intensive scale using subvolcanic material close to the ceremonial center. Production degraded in quality and quantity during the fourth phase (Sotera), when the site ceased to function as a ceremonial center. The documented interaction networks involved different ceramic types and partners across time, in particular with the Middle Jequetepeque Valley and the Cajamarca basin. At the local level, different communities of potters co-existed near Kuntur Wasi. The local pottery tradition using volcanic material endured throughout the 900 years of existence of the site, while a group of potters using different materials was very active during the Copa phase. It is the first time that the co-existence of potting communities is compositionally documented for a site of the Formative Period in Peru.