Sacrificial Foundations in Andean Prehistory

Catherine Gaither

Abstract:

This presentation will focus on the behavior of human sacrifice in the Andean region. The practice of child sacrifice among the Inca will be briefly discussed and then the talk will focus on the practice of human sacrifice among the Moche (AD 200 - 800) of the north coast of Peru. Specifically, the sacrifice victims found at the site of Huaca de la Luna will be discussed with regard to the significance this behavior may have had within the Moche culture.