Metals were vital in ancient Peruvian societies, serving as practical materials for tools and as symbols of elite status. At Castillo de Huarmey, recent discoveries have shed light on the sophisticated metallurgical practices of the Wari society. The site, known for its royal necropolis, has yielded an array of copper alloy objects, including bronze—an alloy typically made from copper and arsenic or tin—used to create durable and sharp tools. The discovery of a metallurgist’s burial at Castillo de Huarmey suggests the presence of specialized craftsmen highly skilled in producing bronze objects. Several geochemical analyses were performed on metallurgical artifacts and slag/matte fragments discovered at the site, revealing standardized production techniques and careful control of alloy compositions, and highlighting the importance of these materials during the Middle Horizon. The use of metal in both practical and ceremonial contexts reflects its integral role in developing Andean civilization. The bronze tools found in the tomb of the Master Basketmaker at the Gallery of Elite Craftsmen in Castillo de Huarmey were ritually destroyed before their deposition. This suggests that the tools were connected to their owner not only physically but also spiritually, and they had to be symbolically ‘killed’ and buried with him.
Miłosz Giersz