Survey in 1994-1995 in
the Saraguro Basin in Southern Ecuador focused on three issues.
First, the little-known culture history was refined and compared
to that of the adjacent Canari and "Palta" culture
areas, to clarify the ethnic identity of the pre-Inca
inhabitants. Secondly, the processes of Inca imperial conquest
and consolidation were studied, revealing a moderate level of
investment in the region, and a ceremonial focus that included a
roadside ushnu. Thirdly, the issue of mitmaqkuna, settlers moved
into Saraguro from the Titicaca region, was examined
archaeologically as a potential case study for recognizing other
forced migrations.
Paper presented as part of General Session on the Archaeology of
Ecuador
The collection and use
of folklore should be an integral part of archaeological
research. An awareness of the discipline of Folklore, of what
constitutes folklore, and how it may be collected, can help
archaeologists to effectively use folklore in their field
research. A knowledge of place names, legends, folk beliefs, and
folk medicine can enrich many aspects of inquiry, including site
location, artifact identification, and field collection. =20 The
authors draw upon publications on archaeology and folklore, and
their own field experiences in Ecuador, to illustrate the
potential a knowledge of folklore studies holds for
archaeologists in the field.
Paper presented as part of General Session on Method and Theory