[Boca Chica]. One of two ceramic series (the other being Meillacoid) that appear to have developed out of the Ostinoid series. Originating in eastern Hispaniola — the type site is at Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic — Chicoid influence spread over much of the eastern Antilles, probably by diffusion of ideas rather than actual migration. The artistic and ceremonial traits with which Chicoid materials are associated represent the cultural climax of the Caribbean area. Paraphernalia of the ball game, zemis and a variety of wood and stone carvings are among these traits. A strong Barrancoid influence is evident in the ceramics, especially modelled ornamentation and incision, although the painted decoration normally associated with Ostionoid is replaced by curvilinear incision. The series first appears in clOOO ad and continues into the time of European contact. V (4200-2500 be), the Chilca site, 67 km south of Lima, Peru, was originally a summer camp for Archaic groups. An increasingly warmer climate, however, caused the drying up of the lomas and coastal sites such as Chilca became favourable loci for a new subsistence pattern (see Encanto). Remains of semi-subterranean cane and grass houses, coupled with increasing evidence of exploitation of marine resources and of wild and domesticated plants, such as beans, emphasize the tendency to sedentary life. Radiocarbon dates for the early period of occupation are in the range 3800 to 2650 be. Dolichocephalic human remains date to this period but appear ultimately to have been replaced by brachycephalic types some time after 2500 be.
The Macmillan dictionary of archaeology, Ruth D. Whitehouse, 1983Copied