Roberto A Herrera | Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (original) (raw)

Dissertation by Roberto A Herrera

This dissertation details the results obtained from investigations conducted at an Aguas Buenas (... more This dissertation details the results obtained from investigations conducted at an Aguas Buenas (300 BC-AD 800) to early Chiriquí phase (AD 900-1550) site known as El Cholo (SJ-59ECh), a mound complex located in the Upper General Valley of southern Costa Rica. Using data from surface collection along with horizontal and stratigraphic excavations, this investigation analyzed site formation and associated behavioral processes underlying the construction of a set of interconnected mounds comprising the architectural core of El Cholo. Previous research suggested that mounded sites in the Upper General area were likely seats of emergent elites with monumental constructions occupying a central position within a two-tiered settlement hierarchy. I therefore set out to identify patterns that would support or falsify this assertion, additionally proposing alternative hypotheses utilizing social models involving corporate/network dynamics and heterarchical, practice-based social processes.
Evidence suggests that the mounds at El Cholo, as opposed to being residential spaces, were rather likely accretional mortuary structures, with successive funerary behavior consisting of a ceremonial mixture of interment, fire ritual and deposition of fragmented ceramic and lithic artifacts. This pattern, identified throughout the site and at different times, yielded a multi-stage occupational profile. Radiometric data suggests that activity ranged from as early as the 2nd century AD to as late as the 11th century AD. The modest nature of offerings and the diffuse and relatively uniform nature of mortuary ritual and attendant ceremonial material have implications for previous assumptions of hierarchy in the mid to late Formative in the Upper General Valley, supporting the likelihood that El Cholo may have been a manifestation of collective, corporate, heterarchically based groups rather than the result of centralized managerial processes. As such, this study re-evaluates the prevailing thinking regarding sociocultural change in the Upper General Valley with implications for the Diquís subregion, as well as its encompassing area of Greater Chiriquí. It suggests there may be a greater level of social variability in the Isthmo Colombian Area even though regions may be in close proximity to each other and despite the large-scale uniformity of an apparent long-term mid-range social stability. It thus holds implications for how we view inter-regional interaction and social complexity in general, especially as to how these social dynamics articulate within heterogeneous or homogeneous social landscapes.

Conference Presentations by Roberto A Herrera

Recent work at the mid to late Formative site of El Cholo reveals that from at least the 3rd cent... more Recent work at the mid to late Formative site of El Cholo reveals that from at least the 3rd century AD, occupants of this mound complex interacted with Costa Rican Caribbean watershed social groups as well as western Panamanian Chiriquí societies. Evidence also demonstrates contact from as far north as the Guanacaste Nicoya region in place by the 10th or 11th centuries AD. Further analysis of the site suggests that interaction was likely initially predicated on trans-cordilleran ethnic and ritual affinities with the Caribbean watershed, a dynamic still observable in the present day Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica. Data also suggest a gradual adjustment to an increasing southern influence from the 7th century towards the end of El Cholo’s occupation. The presence of intermontane movement along with previously documented Panamanian links highlights the particular position inhabitants of the Upper General Valley occupied, allowing them to access and integrate northern and southern influences into their own particular expression. This tropical verticality, linking spatially disparate social groups into a viable if loose network is a key point of investigation as more research suggests the over 3000 meter high Talamanca Range served more as a conduit rather than obstacle .

Recent investigations into prehispanic settlements in southern Costa Rica are providing new evide... more Recent investigations into prehispanic settlements in southern Costa Rica are providing new evidence of variation among local traditions dating back to the Aguas Buenas period (300 BC-800 AD). Differences between built environments in the area, which range from mortuary villages to possible ceremonial seats of centralized leaders, seem to suggest different social configurations within different groups, despite the relatively close proximity of these different communities. Although site attributes can be broadly identified as part of greater Chiriquí culture, the apparent heterogeneity of settlement patterns raises important questions such as how local traditions emerged and to what degree these practices interacted with and influenced each other. Data obtained from the site of El Cholo are used as points of comparison to evaluate how settlements and communities located close to each other could have adopted such varying social dynamics.

While recent research has increased our knowledge of the Greater Chiriquí archaeological region,... more While recent research has increased our knowledge of
the Greater Chiriquí archaeological region, the Formative
period remains poorly understood. Recent excavations conducted at the site of El Cholo have yielded new data,
confronting issues such as the occupational and socio-
ceremonial patterning of Formative period populations
within the Southern Costa Rican sector of the Chiriquí.
This presentation addresses issues relating to long term site utilization, mortuary and commensal behavior as well as theoretical considerations pertinent to the ongoing debate on emergent complexity and inequality in the region.

Previous work in the General Valley of Southern Costa Rica has provided investigators with a prel... more Previous work in the General Valley of Southern Costa Rica
has provided investigators with a preliminary model on how inhabitants of the region interacted and developed with implications for interpreting settlement organization. Current work at the formative site of El Cholo evaluates this model by exploring inter and intra-site organization and its articulation with social organization and emergent social complexity. By generating new data on architectural and artifact organization and comparing them to information from past investigations this research provides an in-depth examination of the ideas behind the nature of settlement and social organization in the region.

Papers by Roberto A Herrera

formed the ground upon which I would build my theoretical perspective, Louis Scuderi made sure th... more formed the ground upon which I would build my theoretical perspective, Louis Scuderi made sure that my spatial and statistical analyses were sound, and John Hoopes provided the closest reading of my analysis of Costa Rican archaeology. I would also like to acknowledge the late Robert Santley, who provided some of the first bits of inspiration for me to go forge ahead from the poorly known into the unknown.