Use and Reuse of Wari Ceramics: A View from Marayniyoq, Ayacucho, Peru

Archaeological excavations carried out at the Middle Horizon Wari site of Marayniyoq, in the Ayacucho Valley, Peru, uncovered an excellent collection of ceramic vessels, the majority of them being large sized. Th e objective of this paper is to explain, fi rst, the social context that determined the manufacturing of specific vessel forms, and, second, to evaluate the reuse broken vessels. The functional analysis of the ceramics also allows us to determine that within the Wari political structure, the production centers operated maximizing resources, and in the particular case of Marayniyoq reusing broken vessel. Th is is of particular interest noting that at other important centers, the elite was privileged to sacrifi ce fi nely decorated vessels.