Chancay
Chancay refers to both a pre-Columbian culture of Peru and the modern city of Chancay, located approximately 78 kilometers north of Lima.
Chancay Culture: The Chancay culture flourished in the central coast of Peru from approximately 1000 to 1470 AD. It developed in the valleys of Chancay and Chillón, and later expanded to the Lurín Valley. The culture is noted for its distinctive pottery, textiles, and burial practices.
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Pottery: Chancay pottery is typically characterized by its pale color, often white or cream, and the use of black paint for decoration. Common motifs include geometric designs, stylized animals, and human figures. The pottery was largely unglazed and often mass-produced.
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Textiles: Chancay textiles are highly regarded for their intricate designs and technical skill. They were made from cotton and wool (llama, alpaca, and vicuña) and often feature complex patterns and imagery, including depictions of marine life, birds, and mythical beings. Gauze weave was a common technique. Textiles played a significant role in burial rituals.
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Burial Practices: The Chancay people practiced elaborate burial rituals. The deceased were often wrapped in multiple layers of textiles and buried with offerings of pottery, tools, and other goods. "Chancay dolls," small ceramic figurines, were frequently included in tombs. Large cemeteries, known as burial grounds, are associated with the Chancay culture.
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Social Organization: Archaeological evidence suggests a hierarchical social structure, with specialized artisans and a ruling elite. Agriculture, fishing, and trade were important aspects of the Chancay economy.
Chancay City: The modern city of Chancay is a coastal city in the Huaral Province of the Lima Region, Peru. It is a port city with a long history, linked to the earlier Chancay culture. Today, it is primarily known for its port facilities and its proximity to historical sites related to the Chancay culture. The Port of Chancay is a large-scale port development project aimed at becoming a major trading hub in the Pacific.