PAPERS

"Auditory Implications of Gallery Acoustics at Chavín de Huántar"
Miriam A. Kolar, John W. Rick, Jonathan S. Abel, Patty Huang, Julius O. Smith, John M. Chowning, Perry R. Cook
Presentation at Institute of Andean Studies 49th Annual Meeting, Berkeley, CA, 9 January 2009.

ABSTRACT

The archaeological record provides evidence for the pivotal role of Chavín de Huántar in the Andean evolution of social inequality, in part via legitimization of authority through sensory manipulation. To understand auditory implications of site design, we are measuring, quantifying, and archiving extant acoustics, and creating computer models to enable comprehensive objective evaluation. Preliminary studies confirm that architectural features of galleries at Chavín create acoustic conditions that obscure auditory localization cues. Such indications of structure-based auditory disorientation are consistent with sensory manipulation being a factor in design, and ground inferences regarding the contextual potential of the Chavín Strombus trumpets.

 

"On the Acoustics of the Underground Galleries of Ancient Chavín de Huántar, Peru"
J. S. Abel, J. W. Rick, P. Huang, M. A. Kolar, J. O. Smith, J. M. Chowning
Invited paper presented at Acoustics '08, Paris, France, July 2008.

ABSTRACT

Chavín de Huántar is a monumental World Heritage archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands, predating Inca society by over 2000 years. The importance of site acoustics is suggested by distinctive architectural features, notably an extensive network of underground galleries used in part for ritual purposes. The labyrinthine galleries are stone-walled and arranged in a series of small rectangular alcoves off narrow corridors. In this work, we initiate research that seeks to understand how the acoustics at Chavín may have influenced auditory experience.

Acoustic measurements and models of a site can be used to archive site acoustics, estimate the acoustics of inaccessible or alternative site architectures, and reconstruct the acoustics of modified or damaged sectors; they may also corroborate aspects of rituals suggested by other archaeological data. Preliminary measurements at Chavín show a short reverberation time, dense and energetic early reflections, and low inter-aural cross correlation. The short reverberation time would enable rhythmically articulated playing of Strombus shell trumpets found on site. The early reflection patterns would provide strong acoustic reinforcement and resonances in gallery alcoves. The wide soundfields would provide a sense of spaciousness and envelopment, contributing to ritual experience.

 

PRESS

"Meeting Briefs", Science,Vol 321, page 338, 18 July 2008.
ACOUSTICS '08: Sound Science Maps Venetian Canals and Peruvian Ruins

New Scientist, Issue 2672, 3 September 2008.
Was sound the secret weapon of the Andean elites?