What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to examine the provenance and technological characteristics of large obsidian bifaces from a Middle Horizon ritual context.

July 1, 2026Latin American Antiquity0 citationsOpen Access

Large Obsidian Bifaces from a Middle Horizon Ritual Offering in the South-Central Coast of Peru: Provenance and Technology

FFFrancesca FernandiniPontifical Catholic University of Peru APAntonio Pérez-BalarezoInstitut Français JDJalh DulantoPontifical Catholic University of Peru

Key Points

The study aims to examine the provenance and technological characteristics of large obsidian bifaces from a Middle Horizon ritual context.
Utilized portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to identify obsidian sources.
Conducted technological analysis to assess use wear patterns on bifaces.
Investigated the archaeological context to understand community participation in material acquisition.
Identified Quispisisa as the obsidian source, indicating its distribution beyond highland Wari contexts.
One biface showed no signs of use, while the other displayed macro use wear consistent with woodworking activities.
The finding suggests community involvement in the procurement and ritual significance of nonlocal materials.

Abstract

Abstract This report presents the provenance and technological analysis of two large obsidian bifaces recovered from a Middle Horizon (ca. AD 600–1000) ritual abandonment context at the coastal site of Cerro de Oro in the Cañete Valley, Peru. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis identifies Quispisisa as the obsidian source, thereby documenting its circulation beyond highland Wari contexts. Technological analysis indicates contrasting trajectories: one biface shows no evidence of use, whereas the other exhibits macro use wear consistent with woodworking. Its location in a residential complex suggests community participation in the acquisition and ritual re-signification of prestigious nonlocal materials.

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