Chincha

A powerful ancient state on the southern coast of Peru which is known primarily from the study of historical sources, which flourished during the Late Intermediate Period, c 1000-1478. Chincha reached the height of its power in the early 15th century when it also controlled part of the Pisco valley, and it retained a certain prestige under the Inca after their conquest of the area in 1476. The main city was La Centinela, which included pyramids, platforms, and courts surrounded by storerooms and dwellings of the nobility. Chincha prospered through trade (black ware pottery and some polychromes) with adjacent highlands and northern coastal areas and there were about 30,000 households. Other sites include the administrative complex at Tambo de Mora (probably the capital) and La Cumbe. The Chincha vanished within the first three decades of the Spanish invasion.

A small autonomous state of the Late Intermediate Period, centred on the Chincha Valley in south coast Peru. Although known mostly from its pottery, some sites do exist: notably the administrative complex at Tambo de Mora (probably the capital), La Centinela and La Cumbe. Chincha pottery was widely traded and is typically a smoked black ware, although there were some polychromes. A reputation for military prowess appears to derive from the early (and probably exaggerated) reports of the Spanish conquista-dores. Whatever their fighting ability, the Chincha were ultimately incorporated into the Inca empire.