The permit came through for us to excavate, so we were able to do more than mapping today. We were able to surface collect in and around the entire cave, and we found quite a bit of ceramics, some lithics, and even a human metatarsal. I still don't have great pictures to show the depth of this cave. It is a decent vertical hike up to it, and has many parts to it. Lots of nooks and crannies to go into. We have to wear headlamps because most areas are so dark. Did I also mention before that this cave happens to be one of the few places in Peru where there are vampire bats? So gross. I would prefer not to have the blood sucked out of me. We also got to be a part of a ceremony before we actually started to excavate. Henry, a local brought coca leaves and tobacco to offer to the cave, for allowing us to be a part of the cave and for digging into the past. It was pretty neat. Each of us had to take a wad of coca leaves and put it in the side of our cheeks. Didn't know that it would make my cheek and tongue numb! And then he passed around a cigarette for everyone to take a puff of. Definitely a different experience. We started a one by two meter unit towards the center of the cave. We didn't get down too far today, but we certainly will tomorrow. Peru still does not like me for some reason. I still have daily hives all over, and this morning I had a swollen eye. No idea what keeps doing it. Hopefully going to Cajamarca this weekend to explore and relax.
No comments:
Post a Comment