Vicús culture facts for kids
Map of the Vicús culture in Northern Peru
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| Period | Early Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Dates | c. 200 BCE - 600 CE |
| Major sites | Cerro Vicús |
| Preceded by | Chavín |
| Followed by | Tallán, Wari |
The Vicús culture was an important ancient civilization in Peru. They lived from about 200 BCE to 600 CE. This culture was found in the Piura region, on the northern Pacific coast of Peru. Their main center was a place called "Cerro Vicús." This place was 170 meters above sea level. It helped connect them with other cities in the Andes mountains further north.
How the Vicús People Lived
The most important part of the Vicús economy was farming. They grew crops like squash, corn, and some fruits. They used advanced systems to water their fields. They also raised animals or hunted to get food. The Vicús people were skilled at working with metals. They knew how to mix silver, gold, and copper. They even used these metal mixes to make their farming tools.
Society and Leaders
The Vicús society was mainly patriarchal. This means that men held most of the power and important roles. Only men could wear fancy jewelry and elegant clothes. Women from noble families wore very simple outfits. The leaders kept control with the help of strong warriors. These warriors traveled around the land to make sure everyone followed the ruler's commands.
Stages of Development
The Vicús culture grew through three main periods:
- The Chavín Stage;
- The Regional Development Stage;
- The Mochica Influence Stage.
Amazing Art
The Vicús people were famous for their art. They created beautiful objects from ceramics, copper, and gold. They lived in coastal deserts. They used local clay and natural dyes to make art that showed nature and religious symbols. Today, pottery from the town of Chulucanas looks very similar to ancient Vicús art. They also made special pots called Double spout and bridge vessel. These pots made whistling sounds when liquids were poured from them.
See also
In Spanish: Cultura vicús para niños
