Harvard Summer Program in San Jose de Moro, Peru

  Peru

Rural Areas

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 23-July 30

Description: San José de Moro is a small village on the banks of the Chaman River in La Libertad, a department on the northern coast of Peru. It lies on the nucleus of one of the most important cemeteries and ceremonial centers of the Mochica culture and subsequent cultures. In 1991, a group of archaeologists began to excavate at San José de Moro. The excavations and related studies at this site have helped scholars understand traditions, beliefs, artwork, and organizational and governmental forms of ancient societies of the area. Tombs, objects, and architectural evidence of these cultures are still buried at the site. An outstanding discovery of the San José de Moro Archaeological Project (SJMAP) was the burial site of the most important women in the Andean region, the tombs of Mochica priestesses.

The SJMAP distinguishes itself as one of the most important international archaeological projects of the northern Peruvian coast. Sponsored by the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru (La Católica), the program has been directed since 1991 by Luis Jaime Castillo Butters. A primary objective of the project is to understand the development and collapse of the complex coastal societies through the study of funerary and ceremonial practices developed in the regional cemetery. This information complements a broader perspective of coastal cultures, based on systematic explorations at different archaeological sites in the valley.

To date, the SJMAP boasts more than 400 excavated funerary sites. Around this type of tomb, Mochica pottery, adorned with a technique known as fineline painting, has been discoveredremnants of some of the most spectacular artistic works produced by the Mochica society. The large quantity of domestic areas associated with funerary practices (which display complex stratification) make San José de Moro an excellent location to learn and develop basic skills in the practice of archaeology.

Highlights: The program begins with a week-long tour of local archaeological sites, as well as lectures and discussions, before transferring to the dig site.

ANTH S-1178 The Archaeological Field School at San José de Moro, Peru: Methods, Techniques, and Andean Prehistory

Students have the opportunity to spend more than 180 hours of archaeological work at the site. The supervisors of each excavation area are prepared to teach students basic concepts of archaeological excavation, registry of materials, and technical drawing of excavation areas. Additionally, the program provides resources for developing skills in digital photography documentation of archaeological artifacts in the field laboratory. Another important component of the project is the ethnographic record. This focuses mainly on the study of potters producing practical ceramics and on artisans who crafted fineline ceramics. The programmed activities also include archaeological explorations at other sites in the valley as well as visits to nearby foreign and national archaeological digs. Students also visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán, the Site Museum of Túcume, and the National Museum at Sicán. Evenings generally consist of free time. Periodically, however, the program offers academic lectures. The speakers include Christopher Donnan of the University of California at Los Angeles; Terence DAltroy of Columbia University; Santiago Uceda, director of the National University of Trujillos Huaca de la Luna Archaeological Project; and Régulo Franco, director of the El Brujo Archaeological Project. In addition, the investigation teams European and American doctoral students present theses of particular interest. SJMAP supports sustainable community development, thus students in the program perform social work related to children. Prerequisites: no previous fieldwork experience required. An advanced level of Spanish is not required, as many members of the SJMAP staff speak both English and Spanish. However, it is advisable for students to have basic knowledge of Spanish to facilitate interaction with the local population.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: $4,896

* tuition
* room
* course materials
* excursions (including meals when appropriate)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Transcript
• Written Application

Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Programs's Mission Statement: The Harvard Summer School makes Harvards academic resourcesa distinguished faculty, well-equipped laboratories, fine museums, and a world-class university library available to men and women of many ages, backgrounds, and nationalities through an intensive summer session of liberal arts courses in Cambridge and overseas. Our international student body includes Harvard undergraduate and graduate students, visitors from other colleges and universities, highly qualified secondary school students, adult learners, and nonnative English speakers seeking to refine their language skills. Students take courses to challenge themselves academically, meet degree requirements, prepare for graduate school, gain college experience, advance their careers, and pursue personal enrichment. Students who study at Harvard Summer School may reside in a supportive residential environment, commute to campus, complete courses via distance education, or participate in one of the faculty-led programs based abroad. Many come to experience the extraordinary environment of Harvard College academics, resources, and residential life. Harvard Summer School serves the University community by providing faculty with teaching opportunities that allow them to experiment with new materials and teaching methods. Students from many Harvard schools take advantage of the breadth of summer course offerings to meet requirements for concentrations and degree programs, and to create more flexibility within their term-time academic program. Harvard graduate students from abroad can work on refining their English language skills, and Harvard College students take advantage of the summer session to expand their cultural, social, and intellectual horizons by studying abroad.