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Geoarchaeology

We will collect soil samples for bulk chemical and micro-morphological (thin section) analysis from the Ushnu excavations and surrounding landscape to reconstruct and explain the site formation and transformation processes, both cultural and natural. The results of the soil analysis carried out as part of the pilot project indicate that the alternating ‘couplets’ of topsoil and subsoil infilling the structure were not derived from proximal sources, suggesting their transportation over some distance to the Ushnus, perhaps from agricultural land. We aim to test this hypothesis, since we believe that this ritual has great symbolic importance, representing a link between the need for agricultural sustainability and an appeasement of ancestors and deities.