Abstract

Funerary remains of an Early Archaic coastal population in northernmost Chile have diagnostic features that support a local development and origin for the Chinchorro tradition. These remains are from Acha-3, a site 5.4 km from the coastline at the confluence of the Acha ravine and Azapa valley. Findings from Acha-3 (a) define funerary, technological, and economic patterns for the Early Archaic (9,000-8,000 B.C.) with strong Chinchorro tradition connections, (b) demonstrate a subsistence strategy adapted to the marine ecosystem by means of associated bioarchaeological data, and (c) identify the oldest funerary site known for the lowlands of the south-central Andes. Two radiocarbon dates place Acha-3 at the end of the Early Archaic period and link it, culturally as well as chronologically, to Acha-2, a campsite. A burial at Acha-3 contains three individuals wearing headbands fabricated from camelid and plant fibers. The bodies were wrapped with camelid and sea lion skins and decorated plant fiber mats in an elaborate funerary bundle, with few offerings. Although there are no signs of artificial mummification, the clear intention to straighten and stiffen the bodies in elaborate funerary bundles, the multiple extended inhumations, and the associated cultural elements suggest that Acha-3 treatments were local precursors to Chinchorro funerary practices. Copyright© 2004 by the Society for American Archaeology.