A woman buried in Peru in the Pre-Columbian South America era

The region of Laramate, Peru, approximately 900 years ago, was a fascinating part of Andean civilizations. Around this time, the Central Andes were home to a variety of complex societies that were characterized by their advanced agricultural practices, intricate social structures, and extensive trade networks. Several significant cultures flourished in the Andes during this era, including the remnants of the Wari civilization and the rise of the Inca, who would become the dominant force in the region in the centuries to follow.

Geographic and Environmental Context

Laramate, located in the highland valleys of the Andes, provided its inhabitants with a challenging yet rewarding environment. The Andean landscape is rugged, with steep mountains and deep valleys, leading to a rich variety of microclimates. These diverse environments allowed for the cultivation of numerous crops and supported a variety of ecological zones, from the arid coastal plains to the lush Amazon rainforest. The high-altitude terrain became the setting for complex agricultural systems, including terracing and irrigation, which allowed the people to effectively farm maize, potatoes, quinoa, and other Andean staples.

Social and Political Structure

Around 1100 CE, the Andean civilizations consisted of multiple ethnic groups and polities with a rich tapestry of cultural interactions. The area now known as Laramate may have been part of the sphere of influence of one or more regional powers. The period was marked by the decline of the Wari Empire, which had previously exerted substantial control over the Central Andes, and the burgeoning influence of the Inca, who were starting their expansive trajectory from Cusco.

In Laramate and similar regions, society was likely organized into ayllus, which were kin-based groups that formed the basis of social and economic life. These groups practiced a reciprocal economy, relying on mutual aid and cooperation. Decision-making and leadership within these society structures may have been in the hands of local leaders or kurakas, who coordinated communal labor, collected tributes, and conducted religious ceremonies.

Economy and Trade

Agriculture was the backbone of Laramate's economy, utilizing intensive methods adapted to the Andean environment. Terracing allowed inhabitants to maximize arable land, while advanced irrigation techniques ensured crop yields in varying climatic conditions. Beyond subsistence farming, the production of surplus crops contributed to a vibrant trade network extending across the Andes and beyond, reaching coastal and jungle communities.

Trade routes facilitated not only the exchange of goods, such as textiles, ceramics, metals, and crops, but also the dissemination of cultural practices and technological innovations. Laramate’s position could have positioned it as an important node within these intricate trade networks.

Religion and Ritual

Religious beliefs in the Andean civilizations were deeply intertwined with the natural environment. The worship of deities associated with the earth, water, sun, and moon played a central role in daily life. In Laramate, as in other Andean communities, rituals were likely conducted to appease these deities, ensure agricultural success, and maintain social cohesion.

Ceremonial sites, possibly adorned with geoglyphs or earthworks, served as centers for religious activities. Offerings and sacrifices were common practices aimed at securing favor from the gods.

Art and Architecture

The artistic expression in Laramate would have reflected the broader Andean tradition, characterized by intricate textiles, pottery, and metalwork. Textiles were particularly significant, serving not only as clothing but also as status symbols and ritual items. Architectural techniques, such as stone construction without the use of mortar, evidenced in other Andean sites, might also be a feature of local structures.

In summary, Laramate, Peru, 900 years ago, was a region rich in cultural and economic activity, forming part of the complex mosaic of Andean civilizations. Its people were skilled agriculturists and craftsmen, engaged in extensive trade, and deeply religious, laying the groundwork for the flourishing of the Inca Empire that would soon follow.