Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (587 page)

A white caustic alkaline substance (calcium oxide) used in making mortar. It is made by heating or burning limestone in a
LIMEKILN
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Late prehistoric communities flourishing in western Columbia, South America, in the period ad 300–1600. Quimbaya ceramics are sometimes decorated with incised lines and negative painting. These communities are also known for their fine goldwork.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Herb (Chenopodium quinoa) which attains a height of 1.5m. The small green clustered flowers are succeeded by small fruits each containing a single seed. The seeds are boiled to make a kind of gruel called carapulque. Native to the Pacific slopes of the Andes over about 2400m above sea level in South America. Possibly locally domesticated by
c.
6000 bc, but in general, not widely domesticated until
c.
ad 500.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

A Roman or Hellenistic warship which was larger and more powerful than its predecessor, the trireme.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

A thick cord from which was suspended a series of knotted strings, sometimes of different colours. This was used by the Inca as a mnemonic device to keep imperial records, the position, size, colour, and position of each knot having a special meaning. A special hereditary group of state functionaries, the
quipucamayocs
, memorized the history, myths, and statistical information symbolized by the knots and recited them to state officials.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Large dressed stones forming the angle of a building, usually carefully placed and set by skilled masons, while the general walling between was raised by less skilled or experienced craftsmen.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search