Los objetos son tan protagonistas de la vida social como las personas de carne y hueso, aquellas ... more Los objetos son tan protagonistas de la vida social como las personas de carne y hueso, aquellas que hablan y hacen cosas, aquellas que hacen objetos. Estos objetos pueden ser antiguos o nuevos, pero siempre nos interpelan, pues al ser compañeros de ruta necesarios de nuestras actividades indican siempre algo sobre estas, incluyendo cosas que olvidamos o de las que no somos siempre conscientes, pero que ellos contienen y mantienen como testigos de nuestro hacer (ver Lull 2007). Las distintas sociedades van dejando la huella de su paso por este mundo en la forma de tales objetos y otros modos de materialidad. La arqueología es aquella disciplina científica que considera la objetualidad del mundo como puerta y pre-texto para abordar el estudio de la sociedad, y no una forma de “consuelo” que el investigador asume frente a la ausencia de personas.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, May 1, 2008
Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, p... more Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, predating Inca society by over 2000 years. The importance of site acoustics is suggested by distinctive architectural features, notably an extensive network of underground galleries used in part for ritual purposes. The labyrinthine galleries are stone-walled and arranged in a series of small rectangular alcoves off narrow corridors. In this work, we initiate research that seeks to understand how the acoustics at Chavín may have influenced auditory experience. Acoustic measurements and models of a site can be used to archive site acoustics, estimate the acoustics of inaccessible or alternative site architectures, and reconstruct the acoustics of modified or damaged sectors; they may also corroborate aspects of rituals suggested by other archaeological data. Preliminary measurements at Chavín show a short reverberation time, dense and energetic early reflections, and low inter-aural cross correlation. The short reverberation time would enable rhythmically articulated playing of Strombus shell trumpets found on site. The early reflection patterns would provide strong acoustic reinforcement and resonances in gallery alcoves. The wide soundfields would provide a sense of spaciousness and envelopment, contributing to ritual experience.
Devenir - Revista de estudios sobre patrimonio edificado
Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artí... more Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los orígenes y usos del sistema de canales –principalmente el drenaje pluvial y ceremonias rituales, así como un posible abastecimiento de agua– y explora la influencia de este conocimiento en construcciones pre-colombinas posteriores. Tomando en cuenta el conocimiento más reciente sobre la secuencia arquitectónica de Chavín, el artículo formula desde un punto de vista hidráulico una propuesta sobre las etapas de construcción de las redes de canales y explora el proceso de aprendizaje que esto conllevó.
References DEETZ, J. 1988. Material culture and worldview in colonial AngloAmerica, in M. Leone &... more References DEETZ, J. 1988. Material culture and worldview in colonial AngloAmerica, in M. Leone & P. Potter (ed.), The recovery of meaning: historical archaeology in the eastern United States: 219-33. Washington [DC): Smithsonian Institution Press. HALL, M. 1992. Small things and the mobile, conflictual fusion of power, fear and desire, in A. Yentsch & M. Beaudry may be one of the most influential products of the Annapolis venture.
Boletin De Arqueologia Pucp No 13 87 132, Mar 21, 2012
Chavin de Huantar is one of the key sites of the Formative Period in the Central Andes, with many... more Chavin de Huantar is one of the key sites of the Formative Period in the Central Andes, with many decades of investigations by dozens of investigators, but ironically its chronology is still poorly defined and contested. This article reviews the historical evidence for Chavin chronology, emphasizing an examination of calibrated radiocarbon dates, and summarily reviewing related radiocarbon evidence from approximately contemporary sites. The more voluminous C14 evidence from recent work at Chavin is then examined, particularly focused on dates from known ceramic and architectural contexts. A large number of determinations concur, both in and outside of Chavin, in dating stamped polished blackware "janabarroide" ceramics in the range of 800-500 BC in calibrated age. Earlier and later occupations at Chavin are documented, helping confirm this time range for "Early Horizon" materials. Chavin, unlike some other important Formative sites, loses its temple function by around 500 BC calibrated, although major construction seems to have greatly decreased well before that time.
... Sandstone and volcanic tuff could have been quarried locally but the nearest sources for lime... more ... Sandstone and volcanic tuff could have been quarried locally but the nearest sources for limestone and granite are 3 km and 15 km from the site. GEOSCAN ID, 210197. Date Modified: 2011-04-14. Top of Page. Important Notices.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2010
In 2001, a group of twenty Strombus galeatus marine shell trumpets were excavated at the 3000-yea... more In 2001, a group of twenty Strombus galeatus marine shell trumpets were excavated at the 3000-year-old ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar, Perú, marking the first documented contextual discovery of intact sound producing instruments at this Formative Period site in the Andean highlands. These playable shells are decorated, use-polished, and additionally modified with a V-shaped cut to the outer apical lip. We present an acoustic analysis of the measured response of each instrument, to a variety of excitations, at microphones placed in the mouthpiece, bore, bell, and surrounding near-field. From these measurements we characterize each instrument’s sounding frequency, radiation pattern, and impedance, and estimate its bore area function. Knowledge of the specific acoustic capabilities of these pututus allows us to understand and test their potential as sound sources in the ancient Chav\’{i}n context, whose architectural acoustics are simultaneously studied by our research group.
Chavín de Huántar es uno de los sitios fundamentales para entender el Periodo Formativo en los An... more Chavín de Huántar es uno de los sitios fundamentales para entender el Periodo Formativo en los Andes centrales. Irónicamente, a pesar de muchas décadas de investigaciones realizadas por docenas de investigadores, su cronología es todavía debatida e insegura. Este artículo presenta una reseña de la evidencia histórica para la cronología de Chavín, enfatizando la contribución de los fechados radiocarbónicos calibrados y, de manera breve, revisando los que están temporalmente relacionados con otros sitios formativos. Se analizan, también, los numerosos fechados de carbono-14 asociados a cerámica y contextos arquitectónicos conocidos en Chavín derivados de estudios recientes. De hecho, muchos fechados de Chavín y sitios relacionados concuerdan en ubicar a la cerámica negra pulida estampada, denominada janabarroide, alrededor de 800-500 a.C. (calib.). La presencia de ocupaciones anteriores y posteriores, documentadas con fechados, ayudan a confirmar este rango temporal para materiales re...
Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artí... more Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los orígenes y usos del sistema de canales-principalmente el drenaje pluvial y ceremonias rituales, así como un posible abastecimiento de agua-y explora la influencia de este conocimiento en construcciones pre-colombinas posteriores. Tomando en cuenta el conocimiento más reciente sobre la secuencia arquitectónica de Chavín, el artículo formula desde un punto de vista hidráulico una propuesta sobre las etapas de construcción de las redes de canales y explora el proceso de aprendizaje que esto conllevó. PALABRAS CLAVE Centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar; canales; drenaje (*) El presente artículo retoma un trabajo previo sobre el tema:
Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artí... more Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los orígenes y usos del sistema de canales-principalmente el drenaje pluvial y ceremonias rituales, así como un posible abastecimiento de agua-y explora la influencia de este conocimiento en construcciones pre-colombinas posteriores. Tomando en cuenta el conocimiento más reciente sobre la secuencia arquitectónica de Chavín, el artículo formula desde un punto de vista hidráulico una propuesta sobre las etapas de construcción de las redes de canales y explora el proceso de aprendizaje que esto conllevó. PALABRAS CLAVE Centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar; canales; drenaje (*) El presente artículo retoma un trabajo previo sobre el tema:
Actas deI lI Congreso Nacional de Arqueología Volumen II Primera edición digital, agosto 2017 Lib... more Actas deI lI Congreso Nacional de Arqueología Volumen II Primera edición digital, agosto 2017 Libro digital disponible en: http://www.congresoarqueologia.cultura.gob.pe ISBN: 978-612-4126-93-2 Diseño Gráfico: Pedro Cavassa Índice VOLUMEN II SIMPOSIO INVESTIGACIONES EN LA COSTA SUR DE LOS ANDES CENTRALES Avances de las investigaciones arqueológicas de la 7 boca del río Ica, Perú: La Yerba II, un campamento base del periodo Preceramico Medio (8000-4500 BP) Cerro Tortolita, un sitio monumental del periodo 17 intermedio temprano en el valle Ica, Perú
Los objetos son tan protagonistas de la vida social como las personas de carne y hueso, aquellas ... more Los objetos son tan protagonistas de la vida social como las personas de carne y hueso, aquellas que hablan y hacen cosas, aquellas que hacen objetos. Estos objetos pueden ser antiguos o nuevos, pero siempre nos interpelan, pues al ser compañeros de ruta necesarios de nuestras actividades indican siempre algo sobre estas, incluyendo cosas que olvidamos o de las que no somos siempre conscientes, pero que ellos contienen y mantienen como testigos de nuestro hacer (ver Lull 2007). Las distintas sociedades van dejando la huella de su paso por este mundo en la forma de tales objetos y otros modos de materialidad. La arqueología es aquella disciplina científica que considera la objetualidad del mundo como puerta y pre-texto para abordar el estudio de la sociedad, y no una forma de “consuelo” que el investigador asume frente a la ausencia de personas.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, May 1, 2008
Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, p... more Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, predating Inca society by over 2000 years. The importance of site acoustics is suggested by distinctive architectural features, notably an extensive network of underground galleries used in part for ritual purposes. The labyrinthine galleries are stone-walled and arranged in a series of small rectangular alcoves off narrow corridors. In this work, we initiate research that seeks to understand how the acoustics at Chavín may have influenced auditory experience. Acoustic measurements and models of a site can be used to archive site acoustics, estimate the acoustics of inaccessible or alternative site architectures, and reconstruct the acoustics of modified or damaged sectors; they may also corroborate aspects of rituals suggested by other archaeological data. Preliminary measurements at Chavín show a short reverberation time, dense and energetic early reflections, and low inter-aural cross correlation. The short reverberation time would enable rhythmically articulated playing of Strombus shell trumpets found on site. The early reflection patterns would provide strong acoustic reinforcement and resonances in gallery alcoves. The wide soundfields would provide a sense of spaciousness and envelopment, contributing to ritual experience.
Devenir - Revista de estudios sobre patrimonio edificado
Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artí... more Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los orígenes y usos del sistema de canales –principalmente el drenaje pluvial y ceremonias rituales, así como un posible abastecimiento de agua– y explora la influencia de este conocimiento en construcciones pre-colombinas posteriores. Tomando en cuenta el conocimiento más reciente sobre la secuencia arquitectónica de Chavín, el artículo formula desde un punto de vista hidráulico una propuesta sobre las etapas de construcción de las redes de canales y explora el proceso de aprendizaje que esto conllevó.
References DEETZ, J. 1988. Material culture and worldview in colonial AngloAmerica, in M. Leone &... more References DEETZ, J. 1988. Material culture and worldview in colonial AngloAmerica, in M. Leone & P. Potter (ed.), The recovery of meaning: historical archaeology in the eastern United States: 219-33. Washington [DC): Smithsonian Institution Press. HALL, M. 1992. Small things and the mobile, conflictual fusion of power, fear and desire, in A. Yentsch & M. Beaudry may be one of the most influential products of the Annapolis venture.
Boletin De Arqueologia Pucp No 13 87 132, Mar 21, 2012
Chavin de Huantar is one of the key sites of the Formative Period in the Central Andes, with many... more Chavin de Huantar is one of the key sites of the Formative Period in the Central Andes, with many decades of investigations by dozens of investigators, but ironically its chronology is still poorly defined and contested. This article reviews the historical evidence for Chavin chronology, emphasizing an examination of calibrated radiocarbon dates, and summarily reviewing related radiocarbon evidence from approximately contemporary sites. The more voluminous C14 evidence from recent work at Chavin is then examined, particularly focused on dates from known ceramic and architectural contexts. A large number of determinations concur, both in and outside of Chavin, in dating stamped polished blackware "janabarroide" ceramics in the range of 800-500 BC in calibrated age. Earlier and later occupations at Chavin are documented, helping confirm this time range for "Early Horizon" materials. Chavin, unlike some other important Formative sites, loses its temple function by around 500 BC calibrated, although major construction seems to have greatly decreased well before that time.
... Sandstone and volcanic tuff could have been quarried locally but the nearest sources for lime... more ... Sandstone and volcanic tuff could have been quarried locally but the nearest sources for limestone and granite are 3 km and 15 km from the site. GEOSCAN ID, 210197. Date Modified: 2011-04-14. Top of Page. Important Notices.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2010
In 2001, a group of twenty Strombus galeatus marine shell trumpets were excavated at the 3000-yea... more In 2001, a group of twenty Strombus galeatus marine shell trumpets were excavated at the 3000-year-old ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar, Perú, marking the first documented contextual discovery of intact sound producing instruments at this Formative Period site in the Andean highlands. These playable shells are decorated, use-polished, and additionally modified with a V-shaped cut to the outer apical lip. We present an acoustic analysis of the measured response of each instrument, to a variety of excitations, at microphones placed in the mouthpiece, bore, bell, and surrounding near-field. From these measurements we characterize each instrument’s sounding frequency, radiation pattern, and impedance, and estimate its bore area function. Knowledge of the specific acoustic capabilities of these pututus allows us to understand and test their potential as sound sources in the ancient Chav\’{i}n context, whose architectural acoustics are simultaneously studied by our research group.
Chavín de Huántar es uno de los sitios fundamentales para entender el Periodo Formativo en los An... more Chavín de Huántar es uno de los sitios fundamentales para entender el Periodo Formativo en los Andes centrales. Irónicamente, a pesar de muchas décadas de investigaciones realizadas por docenas de investigadores, su cronología es todavía debatida e insegura. Este artículo presenta una reseña de la evidencia histórica para la cronología de Chavín, enfatizando la contribución de los fechados radiocarbónicos calibrados y, de manera breve, revisando los que están temporalmente relacionados con otros sitios formativos. Se analizan, también, los numerosos fechados de carbono-14 asociados a cerámica y contextos arquitectónicos conocidos en Chavín derivados de estudios recientes. De hecho, muchos fechados de Chavín y sitios relacionados concuerdan en ubicar a la cerámica negra pulida estampada, denominada janabarroide, alrededor de 800-500 a.C. (calib.). La presencia de ocupaciones anteriores y posteriores, documentadas con fechados, ayudan a confirmar este rango temporal para materiales re...
Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artí... more Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los orígenes y usos del sistema de canales-principalmente el drenaje pluvial y ceremonias rituales, así como un posible abastecimiento de agua-y explora la influencia de este conocimiento en construcciones pre-colombinas posteriores. Tomando en cuenta el conocimiento más reciente sobre la secuencia arquitectónica de Chavín, el artículo formula desde un punto de vista hidráulico una propuesta sobre las etapas de construcción de las redes de canales y explora el proceso de aprendizaje que esto conllevó. PALABRAS CLAVE Centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar; canales; drenaje (*) El presente artículo retoma un trabajo previo sobre el tema:
Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artí... more Ante el hallazgo de nuevos canales en el centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, el presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los orígenes y usos del sistema de canales-principalmente el drenaje pluvial y ceremonias rituales, así como un posible abastecimiento de agua-y explora la influencia de este conocimiento en construcciones pre-colombinas posteriores. Tomando en cuenta el conocimiento más reciente sobre la secuencia arquitectónica de Chavín, el artículo formula desde un punto de vista hidráulico una propuesta sobre las etapas de construcción de las redes de canales y explora el proceso de aprendizaje que esto conllevó. PALABRAS CLAVE Centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar; canales; drenaje (*) El presente artículo retoma un trabajo previo sobre el tema:
Actas deI lI Congreso Nacional de Arqueología Volumen II Primera edición digital, agosto 2017 Lib... more Actas deI lI Congreso Nacional de Arqueología Volumen II Primera edición digital, agosto 2017 Libro digital disponible en: http://www.congresoarqueologia.cultura.gob.pe ISBN: 978-612-4126-93-2 Diseño Gráfico: Pedro Cavassa Índice VOLUMEN II SIMPOSIO INVESTIGACIONES EN LA COSTA SUR DE LOS ANDES CENTRALES Avances de las investigaciones arqueológicas de la 7 boca del río Ica, Perú: La Yerba II, un campamento base del periodo Preceramico Medio (8000-4500 BP) Cerro Tortolita, un sitio monumental del periodo 17 intermedio temprano en el valle Ica, Perú
Journal of The Acoustical Society of America [Abstract], Nov 2010
Invited paper presented at 2nd Pan American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics, Cancún, México, Novembe... more Invited paper presented at 2nd Pan American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics, Cancún, México, November 2010.
First Place, Best Student Paper Award in Architectural Acoustics
ABSTRACT
Inspired by on-site observations and measurements, a computational acoustic model of the interior architecture of the 3,000 year-old ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar, Perú is presented. The model addresses the foundational study by Lumbreras, González and Lietaer (1976) which posited an acoustic system integral to Chavín architecture involving "a network of resonance rooms connected by sound transmission tubes". We propose a translation of the topology of Chavín gallery forms to a modular computational acoustic model based on bi-directional digital waveguides, representing the corridors and ducts, connected through reverberant scattering junctions, representing the small rooms. This approach combines known architectural dimensional and material data with representative measured acoustic data, thus economizing the collection of impulse response measurements required to accurately simulate site acoustics. Applications include virtual acoustic reconstruction of inaccessible or demolished site structures, and auralizations of hypothesized architectural forms, allowing any desired sound sample to be "played back" in the modeled acoustic context.
Conference Paper for the 2nd Pan American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics, Cancún, Nov. 2010., Nov 2010
Invited paper presented at 2nd Pan American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics, Cancún, México, Novembe... more Invited paper presented at 2nd Pan American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics, Cancún, México, November 2010.
ABSTRACT
In 2001, twenty Strombus galeatus marine shell trumpets were excavated at the 3,000 year-old ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar, Perú, marking the first documented contextual discovery of intact sound-producing instruments at this Formative Period site in the Andean highlands. These playable shells are decorated and crafted for musical use with well-formed mouthpieces created by cutting the small end (spire) off and grinding/polishing the resulting opening. The shells are use-polished, and additionally modified with a v-shaped cut to the outer apical lip. We present an acoustic analysis of the measured response of each instrument, to a variety of excitations, at microphones placed in the mouthpiece, player's mouth, bore, bell, and surrounding near-field. From these measurements we characterize each instrument's sounding frequencies (fundamental and 1st overtone where possible), radiation pattern, and impedance, and we estimate the bore area function of each shell. Knowledge of the specific acoustic capabilities of these pututus allows us to understand and test their potential as sound sources in the ancient Chavín context, whose architectural acoustics are simultaneously studied by our research group.
Conference Paper presented at Acoustics'08 Paris, 2008
Invited paper presented at Acoustics '08, Paris, France, July 2008.
ABSTRACT
Chavín de Huán... more Invited paper presented at Acoustics '08, Paris, France, July 2008.
ABSTRACT
Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, predating Inca society by over 2000 years. The importance of site acoustics is suggested by distinctive architectural features, notably an extensive network of underground galleries used in part for ritual purposes. The labyrinthine galleries are stone-walled and arranged in a series of small rectangular alcoves off narrow corridors. In this work, we initiate research that seeks to understand how the acoustics at Chavín may have influenced auditory experience.
Acoustic measurements and models of a site can be used to archive site acoustics, estimate the acoustics of inaccessible or alternative site architectures, and reconstruct the acoustics of modified or damaged sectors; they may also corroborate aspects of rituals suggested by other archaeological data. Preliminary measurements at Chavín show a short reverberation time, dense and energetic early reflections, and low inter-aural cross correlation. The short reverberation time would enable rhythmically articulated playing of Strombus shell trumpets found on site. The early reflection patterns would provide strong acoustic reinforcement and resonances in gallery alcoves. The wide soundfields would provide a sense of spaciousness and envelopment, contributing to ritual experience.
Flower World – Mundo Florido, vol. 1: Music Archaeology of the Americas - Arqueomusicología de las Américas, 2012
This study of ancient sound-producing instruments within a comprehensive archaeoacoustic investig... more This study of ancient sound-producing instruments within a comprehensive archaeoacoustic investigation is greatly enhanced by an integrative methodology that explores interrelationships among instrumental and environmental acoustic dynamics, and considers their auditory perceptual implications. The 3000-year-old Andean Formative Period ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar presents both Strombus galeatus marine shell horns known as pututus and well-preserved architecture, whose acoustics can be tested, measured, and computationally modeled. Comparative acoustic measurements of site instruments and architecture, further informed by on-site psychoacoustic experimentation, provide information about the auditory environment experienced by ritual participants in ancient Chavín. We present findings that demonstrate an architectural acoustic mechanism specifically linking the Chavín pututus to the area of the Lanzón Gallery and Circular Plaza, focal in this reputed oracle center. We propose a sounding oracle, and how it could be given voice.
RESUMEN
Este estudio sobre instrumentos sonoros, llevado a cabo en el marco de una investigación arqueoacústica comprensiva, se beneficia de una metodología íntegra que explora las interrelaciones entre las dinámicas instrumentales y ambientales y sus implicaciones auditivas. El centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, Perú, un sitio arqueológico del Periodo Formativo, con una antigüedad acerca de 3000 años, presenta tanto cuernos de caracoles marinos, Strombus galeatus, denominadas pututus, como también una arquitectura bien preservada, dos hechos que permiten realizar pruebas y mediciones y desarrollar modelos computacionales. Medidas acústicas comparativas, completadas por una experimentación psicoacústic, proveen datos sobre el ambiente auditivo experimentado por quienes participaban en los rituales del antiguo Chavín. Nuestros resultados demuestran un mecanismo acústico que relaciona los pututus de Chavín con el área de la Galería del Lanzón y la Plaza Circular, punto neurálgico en este centro considerado como un sitio de oráculo. Planteamos la idea que se trataba de un oráculo sonoro, y mostramos cómo éste posiblemente llegó a tener voz.
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Papers by John Rick
First Place, Best Student Paper Award in Architectural Acoustics
ABSTRACT
Inspired by on-site observations and measurements, a computational acoustic model of the interior architecture of the 3,000 year-old ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar, Perú is presented. The model addresses the foundational study by Lumbreras, González and Lietaer (1976) which posited an acoustic system integral to Chavín architecture involving "a network of resonance rooms connected by sound transmission tubes". We propose a translation of the topology of Chavín gallery forms to a modular computational acoustic model based on bi-directional digital waveguides, representing the corridors and ducts, connected through reverberant scattering junctions, representing the small rooms. This approach combines known architectural dimensional and material data with representative measured acoustic data, thus economizing the collection of impulse response measurements required to accurately simulate site acoustics. Applications include virtual acoustic reconstruction of inaccessible or demolished site structures, and auralizations of hypothesized architectural forms, allowing any desired sound sample to be "played back" in the modeled acoustic context.
ABSTRACT
In 2001, twenty Strombus galeatus marine shell trumpets were excavated at the 3,000 year-old ceremonial center at Chavín de Huántar, Perú, marking the first documented contextual discovery of intact sound-producing instruments at this Formative Period site in the Andean highlands. These playable shells are decorated and crafted for musical use with well-formed mouthpieces created by cutting the small end (spire) off and grinding/polishing the resulting opening. The shells are use-polished, and additionally modified with a v-shaped cut to the outer apical lip. We present an acoustic analysis of the measured response of each instrument, to a variety of excitations, at microphones placed in the mouthpiece, player's mouth, bore, bell, and surrounding near-field. From these measurements we characterize each instrument's sounding frequencies (fundamental and 1st overtone where possible), radiation pattern, and impedance, and we estimate the bore area function of each shell. Knowledge of the specific acoustic capabilities of these pututus allows us to understand and test their potential as sound sources in the ancient Chavín context, whose architectural acoustics are simultaneously studied by our research group.
ABSTRACT
Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, predating Inca society by over 2000 years. The importance of site acoustics is suggested by distinctive architectural features, notably an extensive network of underground galleries used in part for ritual purposes. The labyrinthine galleries are stone-walled and arranged in a series of small rectangular alcoves off narrow corridors. In this work, we initiate research that seeks to understand how the acoustics at Chavín may have influenced auditory experience.
Acoustic measurements and models of a site can be used to archive site acoustics, estimate the acoustics of inaccessible or alternative site architectures, and reconstruct the acoustics of modified or damaged sectors; they may also corroborate aspects of rituals suggested by other archaeological data. Preliminary measurements at Chavín show a short reverberation time, dense and energetic early reflections, and low inter-aural cross correlation. The short reverberation time would enable rhythmically articulated playing of Strombus shell trumpets found on site. The early reflection patterns would provide strong acoustic reinforcement and resonances in gallery alcoves. The wide soundfields would provide a sense of spaciousness and envelopment, contributing to ritual experience.
RESUMEN
Este estudio sobre instrumentos sonoros, llevado a cabo en el marco de una investigación arqueoacústica comprensiva, se beneficia de una metodología íntegra que explora las interrelaciones entre las dinámicas instrumentales y ambientales y sus implicaciones auditivas. El centro ceremonial de Chavín de Huántar, Perú, un sitio arqueológico del Periodo Formativo, con una antigüedad acerca de 3000 años, presenta tanto cuernos de caracoles marinos, Strombus galeatus, denominadas pututus, como también una arquitectura bien preservada, dos hechos que permiten realizar pruebas y mediciones y desarrollar modelos computacionales. Medidas acústicas comparativas, completadas por una experimentación psicoacústic, proveen datos sobre el ambiente auditivo experimentado por quienes participaban en los rituales del antiguo Chavín. Nuestros resultados demuestran un mecanismo acústico que relaciona los pututus de Chavín con el área de la Galería del Lanzón y la Plaza Circular, punto neurálgico en este centro considerado como un sitio de oráculo. Planteamos la idea que se trataba de un oráculo sonoro, y mostramos cómo éste posiblemente llegó a tener voz.