Andinoamerican Metallurgical Technology and Its Variability

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ID: 314375
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Identification of the Andes as a locus for the independent development of prehistoric metallurgy has often overshadowed recognition of the variability in metalworking technologies that existed across western South America. This chapter explores two stages of the metal châine opératoire—smelting technologies and artifact manufacturing techniques—to highlight how these practices differed across the Andes. While a distinction can be drawn between the wind-centered smelting technologies of the south-central Andes and those relying on human breath or natural draft in the northern tradition, there is considerable variation within these different regions and even some overlap in how smelting was powered. A similar geographic division can be drawn between metallurgical traditions based on casting liquid metal, found in the southern Andes, and those based on bending and shaping solid sheet metal in the central and northern portions of the cordillera. Concomitant in these latter regions was a focus on metal color and the development of various techniques to enrich object surfaces. The broadly posited distinction between metallurgical traditions in the northern and south-central portions of the Andes is complemented by a discussion of the extraordinary variability in artifact production techniques observed in prehispanic Colombia. A closer examination of the variability found within Andinoamerican metalworking technologies provides insight into technological style, the organization of metal production, and spheres of sociopolitical interaction, celebrating the deep history and virtuosity of metal production in the Andes.
Reference Key
openalex_W7161991107 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Colleen Zori
Journal Oxford University Press eBooks
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195391367.013.71
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195391367.013.71
Keywords Keywords not found

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