Proyecto Arqueológico Sechin

Location: Casma, AN, PE

Season: June 3, 2019 to July 2, 2019

Application Deadline: March 11, 2019

Website: https://monicasuarez7.wixsite.com/sechin

Program Type:
Field school, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
no

Project Director:
Maria Isabel Monica Suarez Ubillus

Project Description:

Sechín Archaeological Project Its purpose is the conservation and investigation of the main building of the Cerro Sechin archaeological monument, a pre-Inca society that flourished on the north coast of Peru between 3,500 y el 1,200 a.C. The initial excavations conducted at the Sechín were carried out in 1937 and were focused on unveiling the architecture and mural art composed of granite lithosculptures that surround the main building. Subsequently, specific excavations have been carried out in order to reveal the east and west passages as well as later occupations belonging to the cultures that preceded the original occupation of the site.

The main objective of Sechín Archaeological Project in 2019 is perform conservation diagnostic work and timely archaeological excavations at the site to clarify its chronology.Participants will learn excavation methods, mapping, profile drawing, recognizing cultural layers of occupation, and recovering and identifying various archaeological material such as pottery, stone tools, textiles, animal bones, seeds, and sea shells. During the laboratory work portion, participants will learn artifact classification, botanical analysis, pottery analysis, textile analysis, and lithic analysis.

Period(s) of Occupation: Initial Formative Period - Early Formative (3,500 – 1,200 a.C.)

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 weeks

Minimum Age: 19

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
What the cost include: pickup at Lima airport, accommodation in Lima and Casma, transportation from Lima to Casma and from Casma to the site, 3 meals a day for 6 days a week (4 weeks) in Casma, field trip to Chankillo, Las Aldas and Punkurí.  What the cost does not include: Airfare, meals while in Lima, weekend meals in Casma, academic credits and travel insurance, and other personal expenses. Living accommodations will be in the city of Casma, which is about a 10 minute drive to the Sechín archaeological site. Cost: 3.300 US dollars