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The Stories Of The Stones

1/9/2019

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PictureShaman carefully placing the ceremonial objects that will be given in honor to Pacha Mama.
Going into my second week here in Peru I find myself waiting, as I knew I would, for my "Convenio"...the permission paperwork I need to work on the Saqsaywaman archaeological park.  I drafted a whole research proposal and it is being translated into Spanish at this moment.  It will be submitted to the park management on Friday and then we will be doing a Pacha Mama ceremony there.  Whenever you work on the land here in Peru, you honor the spirit of Pacha Mama by making an offering.  I've done this each time I've been here and I'm hoping this time to be able to film this sacred ceremony.  I will be working with a Shaman and the people at the Ministry of Culture.  And, I'll have my friend/blogger Miriam Sieden with me as well as Fiorela from Maximo Nevel to help with the translations. 
More on this ceremony next blog.

PictureMaren against one of the largest of Saqsaywaman's megalithic stones.
So, in the meantime, I've been visiting the various amazing ancient sites here in Q'osqo and engaging in my secondary research passion...ancient stone architecture.  A little history on this aspect of my passion for Peru is needed.

When I first arrived at Saqsaywaman in 2010, I knew the archaeological park was dedicated to the preservation of the main temple complex wall.  And, I knew this wall was made of megalithic stones.  But, what I didn't know then was that there really are several types of stones in various types of architecture here in Saqsaywaman and in the general Q'osqo area...and beyond. 

Thus, starting in 2010, I starting studying the ancient stone structures found here In Peru (Andes & coastal).  When I immersed myself in this research, I also found that there are megalithic stone structures around the world that are similar to those here in Peru.  Over the years since 2010, I've become fascinated with the documentation of these locations and am trying to understand what all these stone ambassadors from the past have to tell us about our human history on this planet as a whole.

Stone Types In Q'osqo, Peru
Let's start where I started, with the various stone structures here in Q'osqo and up the hill at the Saqsaywaman archaeological park.  Everywhere you walk here in town and up in Saqsaywaman, if you look closely, you notice that some stones looks much more finished and perfectly fitted together than others.  It doesn't take much of a walk to find examples of stone walls where the lower course (most often the oldest) is the most perfect in construction, whereas the stones on the top are often crude.  This anomaly challenges our belief that human cultural progress, including architectural skills, should be at their peek now.  But, what we find here in Peru is that the oldest structures are often the most perfect and the newer architecture, especially the contemporary work, is often crude and imperfect. 
PictureMaren sitting by a perfectly cut rock structure at Saqsaywaman, the purpose of which is still a source of research.
Controversy About The Stones

There is quite a bit of controversy about the age of these stone artifacts, the way the stones were cut, moved, and placed in these massive walls and buildings.  There are archaeological opinions.  There are ancient alien theories.  There are names for the types of stone work based on the type of rock, the design of the stone, the presence of a vitrified surface (that indicates some source of heat melted the surface)...there is NO lack of theories about these various stone buildings and walls and who made them. 

The one consistent factor is that there really isn't a definitive theory, that everyone can agree on, as to the history of these stone structures.  The other consistent factor is that people who see these stones are almost always amazed at their construction and wonder "how did the ancient people who were supposed to have simple stone tools and copper chisels make these structures?"

The diversity in the types of stones and perfectly cut structures (like the one Maren is sitting by) is mind blowing.  Everywhere you go in Q'osqp and up at Saqsaywaman, you encounter stones that defy explanation and boggle the mind.  For me...understanding the message these stones have for us is a pursuit that keeps me busy in my off time.   I love finding a new documentary about these enigmatic stones around the world; the new academic paper by a peer; or coming across a new structure or stone I haven't seen before here in Peru.

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The archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe in Turkey has pushed the timeline of our human history building megalithic stone structures back to 12000 years ago!
Megaliths Are Found Around The World That Are Similar To Those Here In Peru

When I first encountered these stones here in Peru, I thought that this must be a unique architectural feature of the Peruvian landscape.  Yet, when I started search to understand the cultural background of these stones, I found that many sites around the world (Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Malta, and Easter Island) have VERY similar stone structures to those found in Peru.  I have digital folders and folders of pictures and articles about these sites and my overwhelming conclusion is that the stones here in Peru are not unique.  They are part of a worldwide stone architectural phenomenon that calls us anthropologists and archaeologists...and geologists to question our understanding of our human history.  And, the most recent discovery of Gobekli Tepe in Turkey and the dating of these megalithic stone structures to roughly 12,000 years ago....which predates Stonehenge by 6,000 years!!! 

In summary, we are entering a new age of archaeological technology where our understanding of our human history will most likely be pushed back to dates where we previously thought just cave men existed.  But, we must now face the fact that some culture existed that built amazing, megalithic structures that, in many cases, we can't even replicate today with our modern machinery. 
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First Meeting With The Ministry A Big Success!

1/3/2019

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PictureSamuel Kjuro Arenas with Maren
When I planned to come down to Q'osqo (Cusco), my hope was to meet with the new Director of the Parque de Archeological de Saqsaywaman by the second week and, hopefully, get an update and permission to work on the site again.  I had no idea we would be welcomed so quickly and warmly as we were today!

With the help of two of the heritage professionals we worked with before, Jose Antonio Reynoso & Samuel Kjuro Arenas, a meeting was schedule with the Director
Francisco Solis Diaz for today, January 3rd.  I had to quickly update my presentation and get ready in less than 24 hours for this important meeting. 

They were particularly interested in the fact that my recent DNA test showed that I have 1% Andean blood in me.  The director said "I'll have 10% in me by the time I leave." 

PictureJose Antonio Reynoso with Fiorela Romers (from Maximo Nivel)
I was lucky to have one of the client services managers from Maximo Nivel, Fiorela Romero, assist to translate...and she did a GREAT job!  The meeting started, much to my relief, with Jose Antonio and Samuel giving the director a recap of the work we had done before describing it as "valuable" and "impartial."  Then, I gave a 30 minute PowerPoint presentation about the project and then we had a discussion about how we might be of assistance from this date forward. 

The head of park anthropological research, Miguel Silva, was also there and helped to clarify what the status of each community is currently.  There are many new issues, mainly the expansion of Q'osqo into the park boundaries, as well as some other issues in new communities that we have not worked in before.

PictureTop L to R, Mario Conejo Ortiz (site management), Miguel Silva (Archaeologist), Maren Elwood, Francisco Silva Dias (park director) & bottom Jose Antonio Reynoso (now working at another site, but one of our original contacts)
The new director, Francisco Solis Diaz, seems to have worked to calm some of the conflicts that existed on this site last time we were here.  It seems that each community now has a representative that speaks to the Ministry and helps to iron out various issues.  The director has direct relationships with a few of the communities and we will plan to interview him later in the month to document how he negotiated solutions to some of the conflicts that existed before.  He feels that the communities of Pucara, Fortelaza & Wayllarqocha currently have good relationships with the Ministry.  Whereas, there are a couple other locations that would benefit from our help to discover what the issues might need to be addressed. 

The map of the archaeological park has changed a bit since we were here last, so we will be getting a new master plan for the site so we can identify locations we can be helpful.  One of the pressing problems the park has right now is encrochment from the city below, Q'osqo. 

Our next step is to put together a formal project proposal and submit it, in Spanish, to the
office Matera Direccion Desconcentrada  del Cultura de Q'osqo so we can be given a convenio...basically our permission to work on the site to do academic research.  I will be working, hopefully with Fiorela Romero (from Maximo Nivel) to do this.  I will have a meeting tomorrow with Marco Boyd, director of International Programs at Maximo Nivel, to see if we can retain the services of Fiorela as our project translator.  Hope so...she did a great job today during a pretty technical meeting.

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After the meeting we took a quick tour of the main Saqsaywaman complex.  Mario Canajo spoke about the current thinking about the volcanic stone outcrop at the center of the complex. 

The most recent information is that the Inca believed this stone, which is obviously volcanic in nature, was believe to be the "Q'osqo"...navel of the Earth.  The Inca believed this stone structure was sacred as it was the original mound that emerged to form the city.  

I'll have more about this aspect of Saqsaywaman, as well as the main wall complex in a later blog.  This site consists of so many unique stone structures, both man made and natural that it's easy to understand why there's a desire to preserve the site for humanity.

I finished off my day  by celebrating and taking my new colleague / friend Fiorela to lunch at my favorite restaurant in Q'osqo The Fallen Angel.  We sat and planned our next steps and how our time might be spend the next 5 weeks.  Then, I went and worked over at the Hotel Ministerio...much more on that later. 

It's been a very good day.  Accomplished in one day what I thought would take 2 weeks!!!  Off to a good start.  Again...thanks to all my supporters... donors... friends... colleagues...and the many new and familiar faces here in Peru. 

My sense of satisfaction is overwhelming! 

Off to bed as it rains here in Q'osqo. 
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The History Of Maren's Passion For Peru

12/28/2018

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As I get ready to travel to Peru this January, I thought it might be good to provide some historical context as to why I'm so interested in working in Peru.  Many people have asked me.  Some close to me know of my passion for Peru.  However, few people know how far back my interest in the cultures of Peru reaches.
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When I was about 10 years old, I lived with my family in a home in Silverlake, California.  Apparently the previous owners of the home were world travelers and they had a succulent garden on the property that was decorated with pieces of pottery, stones and other artifacts they collected during their travels. 

As a kid, I found it fascinating to go down into the garden and dig around to find these little objects.  One day I dug up this little terra cotta head...and my curiosity about where this little object originated started a life-long search for its origin. 

I started reading every book I could get my hands on about ancient cultures looking for people that looked like this little head with its amazing headdress.  I read books; I asked people; I researched in libraries; but I couldn't figure out what culture this little head was from.

PictureLittle Maya head with Conquest of Peru books.

As I recall, when I was in my early teens, I picked up a book entitled "The Conquest of Peru."  In this book were photographs of the Inca people who had similar faces and headdresses.  That realization that this amazing little head was probably of South American origin started my life-long pursuit of information about Peru and other native American cultures.

Years later my mother and I went to Antiques Roadshow and I confirmed that the little head was indeed from native American origin.  It turns out that it represents a Mayan king with his headdress from Meso America.  Despite the fact that this little head turned out to come from the Mayan culture in the central part of the Americas, my interest in South America and the Peruvian culture was cemented in my soul.


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Maren (second from right) with her MVA co-hort at the USC graduation in 2012. Dalton Gaudin (extreme right) will be going with Maren to Saqsaywaman in January 2019.
 My passion for Peru simmered in me throughout my years working in the corporate world conducting ethnographic (anthropological) research.  I started the company On-Site Research Associates and conducted this form of consumer research for various large companies like General Motors, Clairol and Pier 1 Imports.  I love my work doing this type of research.  Yet, my ultimate goal was to use my skills as an ethnographic researcher to work in Peru.

In 2010, I found myself an empty-nester and asking myself "what do you want to do for the rest of your life."  At the same time, I found out that I could go to a Masters program at USC in Visual Anthropology.  So, I left my home of 30 years in Carmel and moved to Los Angeles to get the formal education I'd need to work as an academic in Peru.  I graduated in 2012 with my Masters degree in Visual Anthropology.
PictureFirst trip to Saqsaywaman with small crew and Ministry of Culture professionals.

To finish my Masters program I had to design and conduct an ethnographic research project and then produce a film telling the story of the project to get my degree.  This was the perfect opportunity to find a project in Peru that I could work on as a visual anthropologist.  I searched around, with the help of the professionals at the Cotsen Institute at UCLA, and found a project at the archaeological site of Saqsaywaman just above Cusco, Peru.  In 2011, I made my first trip to Peru to film what was supposed to be a stakeholder's meeting between the Ministry of Culture and the descendants of the Inca who lived on the active archaeological site.  I was accompanied by Ben Younkman, the on camera researcher, and Becky Roth, the project administrator.  Long story short, the meeting never happened because the situation between the stakeholders on the site was too tense.  At first I thought this was bad luck, as I had flown us all down there and now didn't have a project to film.  But, due to creative thinking by the Ministry of Culture professionals, they asked us to go up into the communities and film their grievances and then bring that film down to the Ministry as a way they could start fruitful conversations in a tense situation. 


Picture
Ben Younkman (left) with Miguel Nina and his son showing them video from the project up in the community of Pucara.
Over the next few years, our small team filmed the conflict and worked with the communities and the Ministry of Culture to keep each side informed about each other's values and expectations. 

The communities of Pucara and Fortelza have been the most active in keeping in touch with me (often via Facebook messenger) and continue to be interested in working with our team.

PictureLuis Gevara addresses a meeting of the Ministry of Culture professionals where our filming was presented and discussed.

The Ministry of Culture management staff has changed many times since I've been there last.  Thus, this January we will be meeting with them to update them on who we are and finding out how best to work to accomplish their current goals and objectives. 

As always, our team MUST remain impartial so both sides will trust us to be truthful reporters of the situation to all sides.  It's helpful this year that we are associated the the non-profit Global Purpose Group and have secured our own funding.  Thanks again to everyone who has donated to our project. 


While in Peru this January, I will also be studying the local Spanish/Quecha dialect at the Maximo Nivel language school.  And, I'll be working with this multi-national school to setup the plans for the field school that will start in January 2020. 

And, one more point of interest, I recently had my DNA profile done and was pretty surprised to find that I'm 24% native American...with 1% of that being from PERU!!!  I hope to find someone in Cusco who might be able to help me find a way to discover my Peruvian roots.  Pretty amazing that I have Peruvian blood in me! 

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Maren's DNA profile from Ancestry.com.
If you've made it this far on this blog...I'm impressed!  Thanks so much to all my friends and supporters.  I've been touched through the years by the notes and cards people have sent me saying they believe in my vision for my project. 

Below are some of the cards and well wishes I've received over the years from people who have believed in me and my project in Peru

Thanks so much to you all!! Stay tuned...I'll be posting a blog each week from Saqsaywaman.

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    Maren Elwood is a visual anthropologist and founder of On-Site Expeditions...a field school that will provide scholarships to aspiring heritage professionals.  The first field school session will be in January 2020.

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