Following this introduction, chapter 2 provides an overview of theoretical approaches to exchange and to raw material procurement areas from anthropological studies worldwide. Chapter 3 shifts the focus to the Andes with a review of the existing research that informs this investigation. In chapter 3 a discussion of economy, exchange, and long-distance interaction in the region is presented, as well as a summary of the evidence of Chivay obsidian consumption through time. Chapter 4 is a geographically oriented chapter with a discussion of the region in terms of climate, economy, geology, obsidian deposits, and finally the original chemical sourcing work that accompanied this research project. Chapter 5 describes the methods used in this dissertation with a focus on the novel methods employed by this project. Chapter 6 presents the results and analysis of a 33 km² archaeological surface survey in six blocks throughout the Upper Colca study area. Chapter 7 describes the results of the testing program that included eight 1x1m test units, five of which are analyzed in detail here. Finally, chapter 8 is the summary of significant findings from this research and chapter 8 strives to reconcile the results of this research with the theoretical objects of the study.