A Metallurgical Site Survey in the Peruvian Andes

摘要: AbstractTo help document and interpret the development of pre-Columbian metallurgy prior to Spanish invasion Andes, author conducted a survey portions northern southern Peru identify describe early metallurgical sites including mines, ore-processing areas, smelting installations. Several more interesting are discussed in detail. Coastal highland sources copper ores were identified, particularly along north coast altiplano bordering Lake Titicaca. Among most provocative results is new evidence that sulfide being smelted long before arrival Europeans, thereby indicating level sophistication Andean not previously recognized.