Documentation and interpretation of the petroglyphs of Chichictara, Palpa (Peru), using terrestrial laser scanning and image-based 3D modeling

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April 2007. Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10. Bonn 2008, pp. 65-71

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Abstract

In Chichictara, southern Peru, petroglyphs cover the surface of around 150 rocks, located in a small valley. The goals of the Chichictara Project are the documentation of the petroglyphs, the dating of them and an understanding of the original social function of the site and its components. The presented research methodology is determined by two properties of petroglyphs: Firstly, they are an artificial intervention into the natural environment. That means their natural and archaeological environment must be decisively included into the interpretation. Secondly, their iconographic value is very high, which means that similarities with other archaeological findings have to be made evident. Thus, the site of Chichictara was documented in 3D by means of laser scanning and photogrammetry. The results will be included into a 3D model of the entire Palpa region and connected with a GIS database containing spatial and archaeological information – the rocks will tell us about the past.