Culture valdivia: history, art, religion, social organization, customs

The valdivia culture It was discovered by the Ecuadorian archaeologist Emilio Estrada Icaza (1916-1961) in 1956. At the time of its discovery, Estrada estimated that this civilization had been developed more than 4,000 years ago.

It was the oldest civilization recorded up to that time. Recent data show that it flourished between the year 3500 and 1800 a. C. This culture had its seat in the south of Ecuador, in its pacific coast.

Among others, archaeologists have found evidence that they were very skilled in ceramic work. In their excavations, they have found articles of daily use, such as jars and glasses, with a sophisticated manufacturing technique.

Also carved stone statuettes have been found. In reference to this ceramic work, they are considered to have been the first artistic representations produced in the Americas. On the other hand, there is evidence that they worked the land, which characterizes them as a sedentary society.

It has been determined that it is one of the oldest cultures that can be found in the new continent. Before the discovery of the Sacred City of Caral in Peru, the title of The cradle of American culture . It is known in fact that Valdivia is the predecessor of Mesoamerican cultures like the Mayans, the Aztecs and the Incas.

History of the valdivia culture

Despite the archaeological findings, the origins of the Valdivia culture remain a mystery. Since its discovery in 1956 until 1999, around 25 sites of this culture had been discovered. All of them contributed information about their development, but they did not shed light on their origins, nor on their end.

Initially, experts related it to Jomon (Kyushu Island, Japan), due to the similarity of its ceramics. This gave rise to a theory of transpacific contact between Japan and Ecuador as the origin of the Valdivia culture.

However, more recent research locates this origin in a previous culture: Las Vegas. This was a pre-Columbian culture settled in Ecuador between 8,000 a. C. and 4,600 a. C. Currently, it is the most accepted theory.

To date, there is no record of the migration of culture, nor has a definitive end to its existence been found. Most archaeologists and academics believe that the decrease in numbers forced the members of the communities to leave their coastal settlement and go in search of a more prosperous life elsewhere.

Art

Mortar, Valdivia Costa Sur // 4000 a.C. - 1500 a.C.

The most representative of his art is ceramic and clay figures. The valdivia ceramics are quite distinctive. They are characterized by the use of a wide variety of decorative techniques, such as decorative incisions in all its periphery, stamped, grooved with fingers and appliques.

V Asos and bowls in different shapes and sizes with a varied range of ornaments suggest that the intention of their confection was to be used to serve instead of cooking in them or storing food inside.

On the other hand, carved stone figures are small figurines between 3 and 5 inches tall, with tiny faces, elaborate hairstyles. Several of these Venus de Valdivia , as they are known, are hermaphrodites, presenting both masculine and feminine characteristics.

While the function of these objects is not entirely clear, it is believed that they were used in some kind of ceremonial activity.

Religion

Like all pre-Columbian cultures, valdivia worshiped deities of nature. On occasion, these gods were represented with animal figures. Most of their ceremonies were held to ask for fertility (both of their women and their crops).

On the other hand, the main figure of their religiosity were the shamans. These were in charge of ceremonial and other activities. Among others, they elaborated ritual calendars to control production and rites to promote rain.

Social organization

Like other original groups of the continent, the civilization of Valdivia was organized along tribal lines. Life was regulated through relationships of reciprocity and kinship to ensure the survival of the group. It is possible that they had leaders and individuals who were experts in relating to the spirit world.

In addition, it is thought that the people of Valdivia were among the first in the continent to live in villages built next to the meadows next to the river. This fact shows a certain degree of urban planning.

The provision would be about 50 oval-shaped homes with family groups of approximately 30 people. It is believed that the houses were built from plant material.

Customs and clothing

Members of the Valdivia culture buried their dead in the same mounds where their homes were built. Occasionally, the children were buried in pottery vessels. The domesticated dogs were also buried in a similar way to their human masters.

Also, although no remains of coca leaves were found in any of the excavations, if clay figurines were found that represented a figure with a swollen cheek as if chewing a coca ball.

Similarly, small vessels used to store the substance that released the active alkaloid from the coca leaf were found.

Regarding the type of clothing, none of the excavations carried out has yielded enough indications that could shed light on this matter. The archaeologist Jorge Marcos, in 1971, discovered traces of textiles in some ceramic pieces.

From them an approximation has been obtained on the type of fabric that this people would have used to make their clothes.

Agriculture and economy

There are reasons to affirm that, in its beginnings, the Valdivia culture was a nomadic people of hunters and gatherers oriented only to satisfy their basic biological needs. Findings of deer bones, partridges, bears and rabbits in explored caves initially support this claim.

Then, it was developed until having a mixed economy. The main subsistence mechanisms in this new phase were both the sea and agriculture. The evidence points to the intake of molluscs as the main source of marine food.

As for agriculture, remains of tools, irrigation canals and vegetable waste have been found. These show an incipient practice of agricultural techniques. It is believed that they cut manioc, sweet potato, peanut, pumpkin and cotton among other items.

They also practiced the breeding of some animals. This together with agriculture consolidated sedentary lifestyle as a way of life. Surpluses of agricultural activity began to exist that were stored for periods of scarcity.

Over time, the communities became more stable. Then appear the social groups in charge of providing with their work the means of subsistence for the satisfaction of the diverse social needs (fishermen, farmers, artisans).

References

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