Studying the individual in prehistory: a tale of three women from Cerro Azul, Peru

The study of individual style is of wide interest, but appropriate and convincing archaeological evidence is often lacking. Mummy bundles of three Late Intermediate (A.D. 1000–1470) women buried on the same terrace at Cerro Azul, Cañete Valley, provide the ideal opportunity to discuss (1) the individual in prehistory, (2) personal stylistic choices made by each woman, and (3) possible relationships between these women. Since each woman was buried with at least two of the rare two-sided chumpis, those woven bands can be used to assess individual preferences for colors and motifs.