Jach'a Machaca Investigations
Proyecto Jach'a Machaca members conducted an intensive surface collection at Khula Marka in 2001 (Lemuz 2006), and began mapping the site in 2005. In 2006, we conducted excavations in the same cluster of structures in which Ryden had conducted research, and in and around the Colonial chapel.
In the cluster, we cleaned out some of the structures excavated by Ryden and excavated eight excavation units. These units indicated that the circular structures were probably dwellings, and that these surrounded a central patio with a large hearth and remains of food production and consumption (Fig 7).
Fig 7. Jach'a Machaca excavation inside a circular structure.
The function of the two rectangular structures was less clear- and we also found a third -though we hypothesize that they principally served storage and perhaps other activities. Artifacts associated with the structures included ceramic sherds decorated in a local Inca-period style (known in the region as Inca Pacajes), metal artifacts, and weaving implements. Outside of the patio group, and just to its south, we located a large refuse midden consisting of ash, sherds, splintered bones, and metal artifacts. We interpret the cluster as a household patio group
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