The Paracas culture

The Paracas culture was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished on the southern coast of Peru (Ica region) between 700 BC. and 200 AD, famous for its advanced textile art, its fine and colorful textiles are considered some of the best in antiquity. It was discovered by Julio C. Tello in 1925 and was characterized by its medical practices such as cranial trepanations, its ceramics and basketry, and was divided into the Paracas Caverns and Paracas Necropolis phases. Location and Period Origin: It developed on the Paracas peninsula, in the province of Pisco, Ica region, on the south-central coast of Peru. Period: It covers from 700 BC. until 200 AD, framed in the Upper Formative period or Early Horizon. Contributions and Main Characteristics Textile: It is its most recognized artistic manifestation worldwide, with high-quality, harmonious textiles and a great variety of colors, including animal, anthropomorphic and geometric figures. Medicine: They carried out medical practices that were very advanced for their time, such as cranial trepanation and skull deformation. Ceramics: It stands out for its incised decorations and post-firing paintings, as well as for its polychrome designs. Basketry: They created very elaborate basketry objects. Cultural Phases Paracas Caverns: Characterized by bottle-shaped underground tombs, influence of the Chavín culture and polychrome ceramics. Paracas Necropolis: Marked by the production of finer and more complex textiles, which is considered a symbol of status and wealth. Social and Religious Context Society: It was a classist and theocratic society, with priests at the top of the social hierarchy. Religion: Their faith was influenced by the Chavín culture and centered on the worship of gods such as the "god Con" or "god Oculado." Discovery Julio C. Tello: He was the Peruvian archaeologist who discovered the Paracas culture in 1925, making important discoveries on the peninsula of the same name.