GUANGALA UNEARTHED: USE-WEAR ANALYSIS AND EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY IN A STUDY OF ECUADORIAN ARTIFACTS

Stephanie Bohaczuk, Doris Chen, Raj Dave, Christopher Geissler, Shriya Kaneriya, Zachary Maher, Marie Smithgall, Meghan Sosnowski, Peiyi Su, Joanna Venator, Lucas Zavala

Advisor: Dr. Maria Masucci
Assistant: Alison Koser

ABSTRACT

Archaeometry, a relatively new approach to archaeology, implements experimental replication and analysis through comparison of simulated and original artifacts. This method was utilized to study the Guangalan people of southwestern Ecuador in the Regional Developmental Period (500 BC – AD 800). Through microscopy and use-wear analysis, artifacts from the El Azúcar River Valley were examined to piece together aspects of Guangalan culture. Through the study of markings and other evidence on stone, shell, and ceramic artifacts, facets of Guangalan life, such as ceremonial and daily rituals, could be deduced.