The Quispisisa obsidian source provided one of the most widely distributed obsidians in South America, but remains minimally explored.  Our reconnaissance work since 2009 has documented an extensive area of quarry pits, as well as the wide extent of settlement and terracing in the region. In 2012 we will develop a program of excavation and limited survey in order to

• describe the spatial extent, availability, and geochemical diversity of obsidian at the Quispisisa source,
• document evidence of prehispanic obsidian exploitation,
• collect samples for geochemical and hydration studies,
• characterize the articulation of surrounding settlements with the source, and
• examine the extent and chronology of the associated anthropogenic landscape. 

Our field season is July and August 2012 with lab work to follow in Peru. For further information please contact our project email: quispi@MapAspects.org