Middle Formative obsidian distributions appear to demonstrate the emergence of a distinctive Titicaca Basin exchange sphere. One could argue that the emerging elites that mobilized labor to build the initial mounds and courts, and sponsored specialized artistry in stone and ceramics, may have precipitated a demand for greater exotic exchange goods as a source of prestige. Stanish(2003: 162)believes that this is the process that occurs later, during the Late Formative, when he argues that this process is connected to wealth generation for sponsoring feasts and other activities, though he admits the data are sparse. Evidence of long distance exchange from contexts belonging to the Early Formative and first half of the Middle Formative (1500-1000 BCE) at sites like Chiripa are sparse, irregular, and generally involve very small, portable goods; however the evidence from Qillqatani supports other models of more regular interaction along established exchange routes.