Pikimachay, better known as “Flea Cave” is a significant archeological site in South America. It is located in the Ayacucho Valley of the central highlands of Peru, 24 kilometers west of Ayacucho. The climate of Flea Cave is generally warm and dry with an average temperature of 17.5 °C. Though the climate is mostly dry the area has a rainy season from November to March.
Richard S. MacNeish, formerly of the University of Calgary, first investigated Flea Cave. Evidence of long-term, sequential human occupation has been gained from discoveries made at the site. Through the aid of radiocarbon dating the earliest human presence has been dated back to 22,000 years BP. The lowest level of the cave, Apaccaicasa, has yielded the earliest evidence of human occupation. The preceding level, referred to as the Ayacucho complex, contains basalt and chert core tools, chopping tools, and unifacial projectile points all used by the inhabitants. The preceding levels of the cave have shown evidence of burins, blades, manos, metates, and fishtail points. The early inhabitants of this cave practiced big game hunting. Along with the discoveries of human remains there is evidence of gigantic animals. Some of these animals include the giant sloth and large horses.
Though the early inhabitants were mainly hunters-gatherers, crops such as cotton, beans, squash and pepper chilies were planted around 4000 BC. Advanced cultures such as the Chavin introduced weaving, advanced agriculture, and religion to the area. Around 300 BC, the Chavin cultures abruptly disappeared. Over a few centuries, the area was home to several cultures including the Salinar, Nazca, Paracas Necropolis, and Wari. The history of Ayacucho began in the 7th century and developed into the Wari culture.
Flea Cave is considered to hold the evidence of the earliest human occupation of South America. This consideration has lead many to believe that there must be earlier human occupation of North America.
References:
http://www.culturasperu.com/history.html
http://www.perupol.pl/perupol/ayacucho.htm
http://artourperu.com/ENGAya.htm
http://archaeology.about.com/library/weekly/aa103199.htm
By Sam E. Rustan