George F Lau
Biographic Data
| ID | 412190 |
|---|---|
| NAME | George F Lau |
| GIVEN NAMES | George F |
| FAMILY NAME | Lau |
| SIGNATURE | LAU G F |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 16 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 164 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 16 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2002 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2021 |
| H-INDEX | 7 |
Animating Idolatry
Historical and archaeological records help shed light on the production, ritual practices, and personhood of cult objects characterizing the central Peruvian highlands after ca. AD 200. Colonial accounts indicate that descendant groups made and venerated stone images of esteemed forebears as part of small-scale local funerary cults. Prayers and supplications help illuminate how different artifact forms were seen as honored family members (forebea…
Rituals of the Past
Review of Rosenfeld, Silvana and Bautista, Stefanie (eds.) (2017) Rituals of the Past: Prehispanic and Colonial Case Studies in Andean Archaeology, University Press of Colorado (Boulder, CO), xiii + 321 pp. $81.00 hbk
An Inka Offering at Yayno (North Highlands, Peru)
While Marcel Mauss's landmark essay on The Gift has been vital in social anthropology, inspiring a vast and influential secondary literature, the gift has been much less prominent in archaeological interpretation. This study considers evidence for an ancient Andean gift economy, a system of reciprocal exchanges focused on making people and ensuring group social relations, rather than accumulating wealth/capital. Excavations at Yayno (north highla…
South America-Andes
This chapter details major figurine developments in the ancient Andes and discusses new understandings based on figurine form, function, and imagery. Great formal diversity characterizes the long history of their use. The most active traditions occurred along the coast, while data from the highlands and eastern slopes are more limited. Certain regions, especially the north coast, show longevity in the use of figurines, especially in household, fu…
Different Kinds of Dead
A summary is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content.
Origins of Prehispanic Camelid Wool Textiles from the North and Central Coasts of Peru Traced by Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Analyses
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of wool textiles from the north (Virú, Early Intermediate Period) and central (Chancay, Late Intermediate Period) coasts of Peru were used to reconstruct the diet and habitat of the camelids (llamas and alpacas) from which they were produced in order to better understand the regional political economies. The Chancay textiles were derived from camelids primarily raised on highaltitude C3 grasslands. Simila…
Visualising alterity
This visual essay explores material expressions of otherness, or alterity, in the ancient Andes. It first provides a discussion about key points about alterity, especially different kinds of alterity seen ethnographically. It then turns to different strands of archaeological evidence focused on an alterity centred on ancient conflict and predation. The available record informs at different scales, but manifests a strong concern for the Other. Vis…
Ancient Alterity in the Andes
Ancient Alterity in the Andes is the first major treatment on ancient alterity: how people in the past regarded others. At least since the 1970s, alterity has been an influential concept in different fields, from art history, psychology and philosophy, to linguistics and ethnography. Having gained steam in concert with postmodernism’s emphasis on self-reflection and discourse, it is especially significant now as a framework to understand the proc…
House forms and Recuay culture
Fortifications as Warfare Culture
This article evaluates defensive works at the ancient hilltop centre of Yayno, Pomabamba, north highlands, Peru. Survey, mapping and sampling excavations show that its primaryoccupation dates to cal. AD 400–800, by groups of the Recuay tradition. At the centre of a network articulating small nearby farming villages, Yayno features an impressive series of natural and built defensive strategies. These worked in concert to protect the community from…
The work of surfaces
This study is an examination of techniques in the Recuay culture (1-700 AD) of ancient Peru. In addition to identifying things that look alike, it reviews different procedures by which they were made to resemble each other. The author examines shared techniques across different media and forms, which helped to shape a general noble aesthetic. Three main points are discussed: first, the techniques share a similar emphasis on enhancing surfaces by …
Core-periphery relations in the Recuay hinterlands
The author explores a changing core-periphery relationship in first millennium AD Peru, from the viewpoint of a small North Highlands village
The Recuay Culture of Peru's North- Central Highlands
Recent archaeological investigations of post-Chavín occupations in the North-Central Highlands of Peru (Department of Ancash) provide new chronological data that help situate the Recuay culture and its transformations in time. Because of the burgeoning interest in northern Peru, and the cultural complexity of the Early Intermediate Period (ca. A.D. 1–700) in general, a reconsideration of Recuay prehistory is needed. This complements the recent ad…
Object of Contention
This study examines a painted combat scene on a ceramic vessel of the Moche culture (ad 100–800) of the north coast of Peru. The scene portrays a series of distinctly Moche warriors fighting adversaries who feature characteristics (weaponry, ornaments and dress) that are unconventional for Moche visual culture. Correspondences in Recuay pottery and stone sculpture instead support the argument that the enemies were groups from the neighbouring inl…
Aztecs. Royal Academy of Arts, London
Feasting and Ancestor Veneration at Chinchawas, North Highlands of Ancash, Peru
The present article considers evidence for ancestor veneration and feasting in the North Highlands (Department of Ancash), Peru between A. D. 500-900. The study draws upon ethnohistorical, iconographic, and archaeological comparisons to better understand different lines of data from the ancient Recuay community of Chinchawas (3,850 masl), including public and mortuary architecture, ceramics, faunal remains, and stone sculpture. Two major programs…
Feasting and Ancestor Veneration at Chinchawas, North Highlands of Ancash, Peru
The present article considers evidence for ancestor veneration and feasting in the North Highlands (Department of Ancash), Peru between A. D. 500-900. The study draws upon ethnohistorical, iconographic, and archaeological comparisons to better understand different lines of data from the ancient Recuay community of Chinchawas (3,850 masl), including public and mortuary architecture, ceramics, faunal remains, and stone sculpture. Two major programs…
Origins of Prehispanic Camelid Wool Textiles from the North and Central Coasts of Peru Traced by Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Analyses
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of wool textiles from the north (Virú, Early Intermediate Period) and central (Chancay, Late Intermediate Period) coasts of Peru were used to reconstruct the diet and habitat of the camelids (llamas and alpacas) from which they were produced in order to better understand the regional political economies. The Chancay textiles were derived from camelids primarily raised on highaltitude C3 grasslands. Simila…
Object of Contention
This study examines a painted combat scene on a ceramic vessel of the Moche culture (ad 100–800) of the north coast of Peru. The scene portrays a series of distinctly Moche warriors fighting adversaries who feature characteristics (weaponry, ornaments and dress) that are unconventional for Moche visual culture. Correspondences in Recuay pottery and stone sculpture instead support the argument that the enemies were groups from the neighbouring inl…
Ancient Alterity in the Andes
Ancient Alterity in the Andes is the first major treatment on ancient alterity: how people in the past regarded others. At least since the 1970s, alterity has been an influential concept in different fields, from art history, psychology and philosophy, to linguistics and ethnography. Having gained steam in concert with postmodernism’s emphasis on self-reflection and discourse, it is especially significant now as a framework to understand the proc…
Core-periphery relations in the Recuay hinterlands
The author explores a changing core-periphery relationship in first millennium AD Peru, from the viewpoint of a small North Highlands village
Fortifications as Warfare Culture
This article evaluates defensive works at the ancient hilltop centre of Yayno, Pomabamba, north highlands, Peru. Survey, mapping and sampling excavations show that its primaryoccupation dates to cal. AD 400–800, by groups of the Recuay tradition. At the centre of a network articulating small nearby farming villages, Yayno features an impressive series of natural and built defensive strategies. These worked in concert to protect the community from…
The Recuay Culture of Peru's North- Central Highlands
Recent archaeological investigations of post-Chavín occupations in the North-Central Highlands of Peru (Department of Ancash) provide new chronological data that help situate the Recuay culture and its transformations in time. Because of the burgeoning interest in northern Peru, and the cultural complexity of the Early Intermediate Period (ca. A.D. 1–700) in general, a reconsideration of Recuay prehistory is needed. This complements the recent ad…
Animating Idolatry
Historical and archaeological records help shed light on the production, ritual practices, and personhood of cult objects characterizing the central Peruvian highlands after ca. AD 200. Colonial accounts indicate that descendant groups made and venerated stone images of esteemed forebears as part of small-scale local funerary cults. Prayers and supplications help illuminate how different artifact forms were seen as honored family members (forebea…
The work of surfaces
This study is an examination of techniques in the Recuay culture (1-700 AD) of ancient Peru. In addition to identifying things that look alike, it reviews different procedures by which they were made to resemble each other. The author examines shared techniques across different media and forms, which helped to shape a general noble aesthetic. Three main points are discussed: first, the techniques share a similar emphasis on enhancing surfaces by …
Visualising alterity
This visual essay explores material expressions of otherness, or alterity, in the ancient Andes. It first provides a discussion about key points about alterity, especially different kinds of alterity seen ethnographically. It then turns to different strands of archaeological evidence focused on an alterity centred on ancient conflict and predation. The available record informs at different scales, but manifests a strong concern for the Other. Vis…
An Inka Offering at Yayno (North Highlands, Peru)
While Marcel Mauss's landmark essay on The Gift has been vital in social anthropology, inspiring a vast and influential secondary literature, the gift has been much less prominent in archaeological interpretation. This study considers evidence for an ancient Andean gift economy, a system of reciprocal exchanges focused on making people and ensuring group social relations, rather than accumulating wealth/capital. Excavations at Yayno (north highla…
Aztecs. Royal Academy of Arts, London
Feasting and Ancestor Veneration at Chinchawas, North Highlands of Ancash, Peru
The present article considers evidence for ancestor veneration and feasting in the North Highlands (Department of Ancash), Peru between A. D. 500-900. The study draws upon ethnohistorical, iconographic, and archaeological comparisons to better understand different lines of data from the ancient Recuay community of Chinchawas (3,850 masl), including public and mortuary architecture, ceramics, faunal remains, and stone sculpture. Two major programs…
Aztecs. Royal Academy of Arts, London
The Recuay Culture of Peru's North- Central Highlands
Recent archaeological investigations of post-Chavín occupations in the North-Central Highlands of Peru (Department of Ancash) provide new chronological data that help situate the Recuay culture and its transformations in time. Because of the burgeoning interest in northern Peru, and the cultural complexity of the Early Intermediate Period (ca. A.D. 1–700) in general, a reconsideration of Recuay prehistory is needed. This complements the recent ad…
Object of Contention
This study examines a painted combat scene on a ceramic vessel of the Moche culture (ad 100–800) of the north coast of Peru. The scene portrays a series of distinctly Moche warriors fighting adversaries who feature characteristics (weaponry, ornaments and dress) that are unconventional for Moche visual culture. Correspondences in Recuay pottery and stone sculpture instead support the argument that the enemies were groups from the neighbouring inl…
Core-periphery relations in the Recuay hinterlands
The author explores a changing core-periphery relationship in first millennium AD Peru, from the viewpoint of a small North Highlands village
House forms and Recuay culture
Fortifications as Warfare Culture
This article evaluates defensive works at the ancient hilltop centre of Yayno, Pomabamba, north highlands, Peru. Survey, mapping and sampling excavations show that its primaryoccupation dates to cal. AD 400–800, by groups of the Recuay tradition. At the centre of a network articulating small nearby farming villages, Yayno features an impressive series of natural and built defensive strategies. These worked in concert to protect the community from…
The work of surfaces
This study is an examination of techniques in the Recuay culture (1-700 AD) of ancient Peru. In addition to identifying things that look alike, it reviews different procedures by which they were made to resemble each other. The author examines shared techniques across different media and forms, which helped to shape a general noble aesthetic. Three main points are discussed: first, the techniques share a similar emphasis on enhancing surfaces by …
Visualising alterity
This visual essay explores material expressions of otherness, or alterity, in the ancient Andes. It first provides a discussion about key points about alterity, especially different kinds of alterity seen ethnographically. It then turns to different strands of archaeological evidence focused on an alterity centred on ancient conflict and predation. The available record informs at different scales, but manifests a strong concern for the Other. Vis…
Ancient Alterity in the Andes
Ancient Alterity in the Andes is the first major treatment on ancient alterity: how people in the past regarded others. At least since the 1970s, alterity has been an influential concept in different fields, from art history, psychology and philosophy, to linguistics and ethnography. Having gained steam in concert with postmodernism’s emphasis on self-reflection and discourse, it is especially significant now as a framework to understand the proc…
Different Kinds of Dead
A summary is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content.
Origins of Prehispanic Camelid Wool Textiles from the North and Central Coasts of Peru Traced by Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Analyses
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of wool textiles from the north (Virú, Early Intermediate Period) and central (Chancay, Late Intermediate Period) coasts of Peru were used to reconstruct the diet and habitat of the camelids (llamas and alpacas) from which they were produced in order to better understand the regional political economies. The Chancay textiles were derived from camelids primarily raised on highaltitude C3 grasslands. Simila…
South America-Andes
This chapter details major figurine developments in the ancient Andes and discusses new understandings based on figurine form, function, and imagery. Great formal diversity characterizes the long history of their use. The most active traditions occurred along the coast, while data from the highlands and eastern slopes are more limited. Certain regions, especially the north coast, show longevity in the use of figurines, especially in household, fu…
Rituals of the Past
Review of Rosenfeld, Silvana and Bautista, Stefanie (eds.) (2017) Rituals of the Past: Prehispanic and Colonial Case Studies in Andean Archaeology, University Press of Colorado (Boulder, CO), xiii + 321 pp. $81.00 hbk
An Inka Offering at Yayno (North Highlands, Peru)
While Marcel Mauss's landmark essay on The Gift has been vital in social anthropology, inspiring a vast and influential secondary literature, the gift has been much less prominent in archaeological interpretation. This study considers evidence for an ancient Andean gift economy, a system of reciprocal exchanges focused on making people and ensuring group social relations, rather than accumulating wealth/capital. Excavations at Yayno (north highla…
Animating Idolatry
Historical and archaeological records help shed light on the production, ritual practices, and personhood of cult objects characterizing the central Peruvian highlands after ca. AD 200. Colonial accounts indicate that descendant groups made and venerated stone images of esteemed forebears as part of small-scale local funerary cults. Prayers and supplications help illuminate how different artifact forms were seen as honored family members (forebea…
History (13 works) · Latin American history and culture (12 works) · Geography (11 works) · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies (10 works) · Archaeology (9 works) · History (9 works) · Art (7 works) · Ethnology (6 works) · Ancient history (5 works) · Anthropological Studies and Insights (4 works)