| Several scholars have hypothesized the existence of chiefdoms and stratified social systems, as well as the coexistence of highland and local peoples, in the prehistoric coastal oases of Northern Chile. However, the archaeological evidence has not been systematically evaluated. The present research, using textiles associated with 448 mummies from three sites (AZ-140, AZ-71 and PLM-9) in Arica, Chile, has allowed a reevaluation of the social organization and the development of a new chronology. Textiles associated with the mummies were analyzed for yarn characteristics, weave, dyes, surface embellishments, form, repair and overall style. Also, a quality score was calculated for each textile.; Contrary to expectations, the textiles, especially shirts, indicated the individuals studied were not ethnically diverse, since an assortment of shirt styles was found at all three sites and many individuals had a variety of these styles. Ethnically diverse people living together under close conditions and competing for limited resources would not be expected to share clothing styles. The evidence points to an ethnically unified group, but status differences did exist. Status differences were evaluated using textile quality scores and quantities of nontextile grave goods. Status differences were evident but were not extreme and it is suggested that these differences were due to personal achievement rather than the existence of ascribed positions.; Based on thirty-two new radiocarbon dates it appears the cultures once known, respectively, as Cabuza, Maitas, San Miguel, Loreto Viejo and Regional Development were not successive temporally, but represent overlapping styles of the same group of people living in Arica from A.D. 900 to 1400.; Comparisons of inventories of presently available artifacts with those made just after the excavations revealed tremendous losses. This illustrates the necessity of collection management beyond initial curation for archaeological collections. |
