Columbia University Fieldschool Ecuador Pambamarca Archaeology Project Summer

Columbia University Fieldschool, Ecuador Pambamarca Archaeology Project Summer 2005 Contact Chad Gifford with questions at: chg 7@columbia. edu

The Six Highland Basins of Ecuador The Columbia Fieldschool takes place in Northern Highland Ecuador along the eastern edge of the Quito Basin.

Research Background The Spanish chronicles relate that the Inkas faced great resistance from indigenous tribes in Northern Highland Ecuador was invaded by the 11 th Inka King, Huayna Capac. The chronicles describe battles that took place outside a fortress. Specific tribes of Ecuador are mentioned in the chronicles.

Northern Highland Ecuador The expanding Inka frontier reached Pambamarca at the southern border of the País Caranqui in ca. AD 1490.

The Pambamarca Fortresses This is a sample of the Pambamarca fortresses that are the focus of the project’s research. Fortresses Pi 10 (Quitoloma) was investigated in 2002. Fortress Pi 23 (Campana Pucara) was investigated in 2003.

Quitoloma Research in 2002 focused on Quitoloma, the largest fortress in Pambamarca. The site overlooks Quito to the west and Volcano Cayambe to the east.

Quitoloma This Inka settlement and fortress is over half a kilometer in length and contains more than 70 stone structures. This site map was created in 2002 by project members using a total station.

Looking north across Quitoloma; the Inka ‘kallanka’ is in the foreground at left.

Excavations at Quitoloma Fieldwork in 2002 included archaeological excavations at Quitoloma.

Campana Pucara Research in 2003 focused on Campana Pucara, an Inka fortress located in Pambamarca. The site overlooks Mt. Cayambe.

Technology at Campana Pucara Fieldwork in 2003 included a remote sensing campaign at Campana Pucara.

Excavations at Campana Pucara Fieldwork in 2003 included archaeological excavations at Campana Pucara.

Pi-0023 Sites of Possible Study in 2005 In 2005 the project will consider returning to Campana Pucara (right) as well as investigating new forts such as those below. Pi-0025 Pi-0019 Pi-0011

Quito, Ecuador Quito is the principal point of entry in to Ecuador. The city sits on the flanks of the Andean volcano Pichincha just above the verdant Quito Basin. Quito’s colonial past and modern culture provide visitors to the city with continuous visual lessons in Ecuadorian history and contemporary life.

the equator Locating Pambamarca The project’s study area is know as Pambamarca, a mountainous region along the eastern edge of the Quito Basin. Pambamarca lies on the equator just south of the city of Cayambe is a modern, busy city that serves as the project’s connection to the outside world. Nearby points of interest include the city of Otovalo, Ecuador most colorful and busy market town; Oyacachi, the connection point between the high mountains of the Andes and the eastern lowlands of the Amazon; and Quito, which is an hour’s drive away.

Pambamarca The landscapes are expansive and breathtaking. Here a student takes time to write in her journal on top of a natural formation of bedrock.

Pambamarca One of the challenges of working in Pambamarca is hiking to the archaeolgical sites. Here students make there way up to Quitoloma.

Pambamarca Site visits are an important part of learning on the project. Here two student visit one of the windiest sites in Pambamarca. They are walking on an ‘usnu’, or Inka ceremonial platform.

Cangahua Fieldschool students live in the town of Cangahua (below), which lies in the heart of Pambamarca. The project has assembled a dormitory-styled housing for project participants (right). Participants and guests have the option of staying in a local colonial Hacienda (below right).

Cangahua Fiestas In late June Cangahua hosts a week-long series of festivals. People travel from neighboring communities to participate in different cultural events that include dancing, singing and bull fighting.

Project participants enjoying themselves… …on the equator: Chad in the Southern Hemisphere; his dad in the Northern Hemisphere. …at the archaeological site of Cochasqui: Angela feeds the friendly llamas. …at a local archaeological museum: please hold the vessels with two hands!

View of Mt. Cayambe from Pambamarca