Acknowledging the importance of understanding the ancient history of the North Pacific Coast of South America, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is proud to announce its 2021 Summer Archaeology Field School (SAFS) taking place during the months of June and July in the north Province of Manabí, Ecuador, in connection to the Coaque River Valley Archaeological Project.
Our goal is to define local cultural processes with a small resolution survey of the Coaque River valley in order to identify most of the sites in the area and understand the area´s settlement composition and dynamics. At the same time,we plan to excavate sites such as El Palmar, Coaque and Quiaque, located along the valley. The area is very well known as it is the part of the country were systematic looting has occurred since last century given the richness of metalwork and ceramic technology of the Jama Coaque culture that inhabited the valley.
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is proud to announce its 2013 Summer Archaeology Field School (SAFS). The field school will take place during the months of June and July in the Province of Manabí, Ecuador, in connection to the Coaque River Valley Archaeological Project.
The Coaque River Valley has received little attention that contrasts with the rich archaeological data that has been found in the area and only recorded by looters. The well-known late Valdivia society first appeared in the area around 2000 B.C, until the late Jama Coaque groups met the early Spaniards that first visited the region.
Our goal is to define local cultural processes with a fine textured survey of the Coaque River valley that will allow us to identify most of the sites in the area. At the same time we plan to excavate the Atahualpa site, an important late Valdivia settlement where a previously unknown stone industry has been found. Data from this important settlement are key to understanding the ancient history of the North Pacific Coast of South America.
Season 2013
The archaeological summer field school will be held from June 17th to July 29th of 2013. The program includes two complementary activities, fieldwork and laboratory analysis. Fieldwork will take place in the town of Atahualpa, in the Coaque River valley. Laboratory training will be carried out in USFQ facilities in the town of Riobamba, in the central Ecuadorian Andes. Fieldwork and laboratory training will be accompanied by weekend trips and lectures by USFQ faculty members. Students will receive a total of 9 credits for the course.
Setting
The Coaque River Valley runs parallel to the Equator for about 30 km, connecting the Pacific Ocean to the highlands. The project is located at a distance of 200 kilometers from Quito, a short drive of four hours. The archaeological site is in Atahualpa, located a few minutes from the Pacific Coast.
Students will stay in a cabin in Atahualpa, in close contact with members of the local community.
Riobamba is a regular size city in the middle of the Andes, where we have the archaeological lab facilities.
Transportation from Quito to and within the Coaque River Valley, and from Quito to Riobamba will be provided by USFQ.
Faculty and Staff
Florencio Delgado Espinoza
Program Coordinator
PhD in Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh
Carmen Fernández Salvador
PhD in Art History, University of Chicago
Josefina Vásquez Pazmiño
M.A. in Anthropology, Northern Arizona University
María Patricia Ordoñez
M.A. in Physical Anthropology
Costs
Total cost of the program is of 4000 US dollars, which includes tuition, room and board, transportation, use of laboratory facilities.
Airfare to and from Ecuador is not included.
