Semester of Graduation
Spring 2020
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Geography and Anthropology
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis examines Moche juvenile burial patterns as documented in the published literature. Reports of cemeteries and other burial excavations were compiled in order to identify the position of children in Moche society as well as ideology surrounding children and childhood. The data collected spans six valleys and fourteen archaeological sites along the north coast of Peru. This investigation revealed 191 juvenile burials dating from A.D. 200 – 850. The variables documented for each burial include site, period, age, sex, burial position, orientation, burial encasing, and description of grave goods, as well as documenting adult individuals buried with juveniles. This analysis demonstrates the Moche did have a concept of childhood and treated children differently than adults in mortuary practices. The juveniles documented in this study were active participants in a complex society and contributed to the economy, religion, and politics. While the conclusions to this thesis are ambiguous, they demonstrate that there is much more to be learned about Moche society by studying juvenile burials.
Recommended Citation
DeLuca, Audrey J., "Moche Juvenile Burial Patterns" (2020). LSU Master's Theses. 5139.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5139
Committee Chair
Chicoine, David
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.5139