UCL South American Archaeology Seminar (London, 17th May 2025)

Join us for an insightful seminar on Saturday, 17th May, from 10:30am to 5pm at the UCL Institute of Archaeology. This event will feature distinguished scholars presenting their latest research on Inca construction and archaeology. Topics include andesite stone quarrying at the start and end of the Inka Empire, the role of earthquakes in Inca architecture, and the urbanisation dynamics of Machu Picchu. Additionally, attendees will explore the cultural significance of mummified Inca children and the human figurines in Andean Khipus. The seminar will conclude with a comprehensive reflection on the diverse histories of the Atacama Desert. This is a unique opportunity for academics and enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of South American archaeology. Register now to participate in this enriching experience.

10.00 Coffee/ Registration

11.00: Bill Sillar (UCL Institute of Archaeology, London, England) First and Last: Andesite stone quarrying at the start and end of the Inka Empire

11.40: Andy Combey (Université Côte d’Azur, France) Incas and earthquakes in Cusco: from Myths to Measurements

Lunch 12.20-1.30

1.30: Dominika Sieczkowska-Jacyna (Center for Andean Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland) Gateways to Cordillera Vilcabamba: Urbanization dynamics and the Inca conquest of Machu Picchu in the context of radiocarbon dating

2.10: Sabine Hyland (University of St. Andrews, Scotland) Personhood in Andean Khipus: Human Figurines in the Khipus of Rapaz and Jucul

Tea 2.50-3.30

3.30: Dagmara M. Socha (Centre for Andean Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland) CT-scans reveal new findings on mummified frozen Inca child from the volcanoes of Ampato and Sara Sara, Peru

4.10: Calogero M. Santoro (Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile) The multiple histories of the Atacama Desert: a reflection on economic systems, political organization, technological developments and ecological transformations

Attendees (including speakers) will be asked to pay £15.00 towards the cost of coffee, tea & lunch. (Student price is £7.00) Please bring this as cash. After the seminar we usually walk over for a drink at the Tavistock Hotel, everyone welcome.

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