Strategically located on the shores of the Chicama Valley, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex is a site of immense historical value. This settlement was successively occupied by different human groups over approximately 14,000 years, leaving behind an extraordinarily rich archaeological record. Today, the Wiese Foundation is entrusted with ensuring its research, conservation, and public appreciation, through a formal alliance with the Ministry of Culture of Peru that has been in place for more than 35 years. Thanks to this sustained commitment, specialists continue to uncover and share evidence of the longest chronological sequence in the history of Peru’s coast.
This article outlines the scope of archaeological research at the El Brujo Archaeological Complex.
What is Archaeological Research?
Research is defined as a systematic process through which knowledge is acquired, beginning with the identification of a problem and followed by the search for solutions. Within the social sciences, archaeology holds a distinctive role, as it studies past societies through the analysis of their material remains. Archaeologists face a dual challenge: on one hand, to represent the complexity of societies that no longer exist; and on the other, to extract as much information as possible from fragile remains.
For this reason, careful recording and documentation of contexts—defined as the location and arrangement of objects uncovered during excavation—are essential in archaeology. Contexts are indispensable for identifying social activities of the past. Moreover, determining the superposition of contexts makes it possible to establish a chronological sequence of events and thereby achieve a more accurate understanding of the past. Finally, the recurrence of certain objects and contexts reveals the behavioral patterns of ancient societies.
The General Protocol for Archaeological Research
To ensure the optimal recovery of data in the field and its subsequent processing in the laboratory, archaeological research requires standardized criteria and procedures. Recognizing this necessity, the Wiese Foundation implemented a General Protocol for Archaeological Research. This protocol is crucial, as it defines the main lines of action and guarantees unified methodological guidelines in all interventions carried out at the El Brujo Archaeological Complex.
Research Lines
Several fundamental lines of research have also been established, ranging from the analysis of funerary evidence to the management of natural resources and the production of objects. These approaches are essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the ways of life of ancient societies, and they underscore the importance of precise chronology, obtained through radiocarbon dating.
Collaborative Work
In order to foster cutting-edge research, the Wiese Foundation has carried out collaborative projects with renowned academic institutions and researchers, both nationally and internationally. This strategy has had a significant impact, optimizing results through the development of new methodologies and the implementation of technological innovations. These contributions are vital for achieving a more comprehensive understanding of Andean societies over time.
Through these efforts, the Wiese Foundation reaffirms its commitment to deepening knowledge about the men and women who inhabited ancient Peru. This is achieved not only through its active participation in academic circles, but also through the dissemination of this knowledge to the general public.
