PARACAS

Considered the foundational culture of the Peruvian coast, it developed in the province of Pisco, department of Ica, and extended to the valley of Llauca in Arequipa.

Their influence reached Chincha, Ica, Palpa and Rio Grande. They stand out for their textile art, for the mummification practices of their deceased and for the skillful execution of cranial trepanations – an operation used for treating fractures and tumors in the skull.

• Ceramics: Their representations were sculptural and spherical, such as the shape of a pumpkin with 2 spouts and a bridge. Although at the beginning their finishes were refined and very colorful, over time, they became monochrome.
• Medicine: Experts in cranial trepanations, they used coca leaves as anesthesia and chicha de jora to prevent infections.
• Textiles: Considered the best of all ancient cultures, Paracas textiles were very harmonious, multicolored, and with highly complex embroidery.