CLACS Talk Series
Join us for a special talk by Dr. Kasia Szremski
Anthropologist and Associate Director, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS)
Dr. Szremski will share new insights from recent archaeological work at the Chancay site of Cerro Blanco – Sayan in Peru.
Talk Abstract:
For many years, the Chancay site of Cerro Blanco – Sayan has been understood as a relatively insignificant trade outpost in an isolated backwater of what would become the Inka Empire. However, work by University of Illinois students, under the supervision of Dr. Kasia Szremski, has challenged this view by uncovering evidence that suggests both the Chimu and the Inka were engaged in intense ritual activity at the site. While we are still working to understand why these two imperial powers were so interested in such an isolated settlement, it may be that the Chancay were leveraging their position as merchants and farmers to form strategic alliances with both the Chimu and the Inka, perhaps as part of a ploy to gain material advantages by playing both sides of the Chimu-Inka conflict. Though much work remains to be done, this study provides insight into how small-scale communities can act as “agents-of-change” as local decisions have an outsized impact on regional geopolitics in moments of political transition.
We hope to see you there!
Free event/ Open to all public
In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, this program is open to all persons regardless of race, color, or national origin