Abstract
The archaeological complex of Túcume was once a regional center of political and religious importance on the north coast of Perú (ca. AD 1000-1532). Previous research into the identity of the individuals interred at the site has yielded conflicting results. Within this intrasite biodistance analysis, community identity as reflected in the cranial and dental nonmetric variation and burial patterns is examined. This research also addresses methodological issues in nonmetric biodistance studies by examining the utility of combining cranial and dental nonmetric datasets. The sample examined (n=161) includes male and female crania from five distinct burial locations within Túcume. Gower's coefficient was applied to the cranial and dental nonmetric data separately, then in tandem, and the results were compared using a tanglegram, often employed when comparing phylogenetic dendrograms. There were no major statistically significant differences between males and females, nor were there any clustering patterns associated with sex or burial location. In light of the previous research conducted at Túcume, the high degree of biological homogeneity within the site is perhaps a reflection of the broader Lambayeque region. The politico-religious importance of Túcume may have had a homogenizing effect on the population, drawing people from throughout the region to participate in both the quotidian and the ritual. This research highlights how large urban spaces of social importance may serve to expand and homogenize the notion of community identity. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of the cranial and dental nonmetric data suggests that there is perhaps no biologically justifiable reason to consider cranial and dental nonmetric data in an exclusive manner.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2015
Semester
Summer
Advisor
Toyne, J. Marla
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Anthropology
Degree Program
Anthropology
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0006218
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0006218
Language
English
Release Date
February 2016
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Garrett, Wesley, "Community Identity and the Archaeological Complex of Túcume, Perú: A Synthesis of Cranial and Dental Nonmetric Variation" (2015). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5022.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/5022