T-1B (Chiripa)

Sector B of Chiripa is one of two Early Chiripa components on the site, and covers 2.0 ha. Sector A is much smaller (0.5 ha) and is located in the northeastern corner of the site. Sector B is located below and to the north and east of the Chiripa mound, the site's principal archaeological feature. No architecture of any moment has been discovered associated with either of these sectors. This is the earliest occupation at Chiripa, and has been well-dated as beginning near 1500 B.C. ([Whitehead 1999]). Early Chiripa deposits were encountered directly overlying sterile soil, so it seems unlikely that evidence of any earlier occupation will come to light. Sectors A and B have a combined population index value of 115, probably representing a small village. Figure 6.4 is a map of the site.