Abstract
This dissertation uses bioarchaeological methods to examine adolescent development among Tiwanaku and Estuquiña populations from the South-Central Andes (8th–14th c. CE). The study analyzes 217 human skeletal remains and associated burial goods from three sites (Omo M10, Estuquiña M6, and Chen Chen M1) housed at the Museo Contisuyo in Moquegua, Peru. As the first systematic exploration of pre-Hispanic adolescence in the Americas, this research provides new insights into the pubescent life experience in the ancient Andes. The project distinguishes between biologically mature and pubescent individuals, a critical step in establishing social age categories, while examining the interplay between health, development, and cultural systems. By considering different circles of context and their associated energetic factors, this work sheds light on how embodied experiences of adolescence were shaped by both internal biological processes and external cultural expectations. Results challenge prevailing assumptions about the onset and pace of pubertal timing in the past, including the onset of female fertility and reproduction. Additionally, correlations between osteological and archaeological data suggest varying population-level categorizations of personhood related to age and gender.
Committee Chair
Sarah Baitzel
Committee Members
Elizabeth Quinn; Helina Woldekiros; Michael Frachetti; Paul Goldstein
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Author's Department
Anthropology
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
8-13-2025
Language
English (en)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7936/kwym-vc19
Author's ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1664-0673
Recommended Citation
Bey, Bridget Coredlia, "Coming of Age in the Ancient Andes: A Bioarchaeological Evaluation of Adolescence, Puberty, and Gender in Late Pre-Hispanic Andean Society (800-1400 CE)" (2025). Arts & Sciences Theses and Dissertations. 3575.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.7936/kwym-vc19