PETROGLYPS IN THE CACHIYACU RIVER VALLEY, ARCHEOLOGICAL APPROACH IN AN INDUSTRIAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Petroleum research in the Peruvian Amazon jungle gave the opportunity to address the recording and study of rock art in rather unconventional conditions. In this context two sites were the subject of a controlled investigation whose objectives were to drive at a standardized methodological approach to data recording and to build a database for future inquiry.
This study used a simple artifactual approach with determinative categories and hierarchical levels in all the records. The distinctions were analyzed in a technical, formal and stylistic way conforming groups for analytical classification. These groups were evaluated, furthermore, with regard to selection of engraving surfaces and superimposition of motifs.
The final result reorganized the complex of engravings making possible the identification of rock art representation groups with chronological and cultural connotations, groups which can then be compared with any other rock art complex in the zone without downplaying context or artistic nature.
The author concludes that the value of a standardized artifactual approach is very important for later multicomponent research of a scientific nature with archaeological – cultural implications for the region.