Chançay

The Chançay culture flourished in the coastal valleys of Peru, north of Lima, from approximately 1000 to 1450 CE. Occupying the valleys of the Chancay and Chillón rivers, and likely extending to adjacent areas, the culture developed after the decline of the Wari Empire and before the rise of the Inca Empire.

Chançay is primarily known for its distinctive pottery and textiles. The pottery is often characterized by its white-on-black decoration, typically depicting stylized human, animal, and geometric motifs. These ceramics were produced in large quantities, suggesting a degree of specialization and mass production.

Chançay textiles are highly regarded for their technical sophistication and artistic expression. They were created using a variety of techniques, including weaving, knitting, and embroidery, and often incorporated feathers, painted designs, and complex geometric patterns. The textiles served both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes and offer insights into the culture's beliefs and social organization.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the Chançay people engaged in agriculture, fishing, and trade. They constructed irrigation systems to support agriculture in the arid coastal environment. While their political organization is not fully understood, it is believed that the Chançay culture was composed of several small, independent chiefdoms.

The Chançay culture was eventually absorbed into the Inca Empire in the mid-15th century.