Erfahrungsbericht einer Wissenschaftlerin: Jenseit der 5000 meter

Abstract

This chapter on high altitude archaeology above 5000 meters (translated to German) is included in the first compiled volume on Glacial Archaeology, with contributions by scholars from Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. The introductory paragraphs feature the author´s research oriented towards the study of sacred mountains in the Andes, followed by a brief history of high altitude archaeology in South America, including Juan Schobinger´s rescue missions to retrieve frozen mummies found accidentally by mountaineers. Johan Reinhard´s contributions are also mentioned, in addition to the collaborative work undertaken with the author on Peruvian mountains such as the active volcano Misti. The principal characteristics of the Inca civilization and their mountaintop rituals are briefly described and analysed. The rest of the introduction is devoted to methodological considerations and steps developed for the archaeological research rendered systematic by the author. The body of the chapter is dedicated to the excavations at the highest archaeological site and the discovery of the Inca ice mummies and offerings on mount Llullaillaco, pondering the role of archaeology in the protection of Andean heritage, with considerations on the scientific studies conducted, the resulting publications, the museum built for the findings and the UNESCO World Heritage declaration of volcano Llullaillaco and other archaeological sites associated to the Inca road system. A discussion is undertaken to ponder the challenges of pioneering new lines of research and the difficulties of working under extreme environmental conditions in the Andes, as compared to other mountain ranges of the world. In the considerations and conclusions, high altitude archaeology is presented as a precursor of glacial archaeology.