Liberal Arts and Sciences
Prieto Lab
Led by Gabriel Prieto · Anthropology
What we study
Dr. Prieto studies ancient maritime and Andean societies using in-area excavations, ethnographic research, and archaeometry. His work focuses on coastal and ritual violence in South America.
What working here is like
- Fieldwork
- Wet lab
- No organisms (data only)
- Coding helps
- Projects
- 4
- Papers
- 5
Current projects
Maritime Communities of the Ancient Andes
A book synthesizing ancient maritime communities along South America's Pacific coastline.
HUANCHACO 3500 años entre olas y totora
A study of 3,500 years of history in the coastal community of Huanchaco, Peru.
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Analysis of Peri‑Mortem Cut Sternal Elements of Non‑Adult Sacrifices at the Pampa La Cruz Archaeological Site, Huanchaco, North Coast of Peru
The study examined child sternum bones from the Pampa La Cruz site (≈1050‑1500 C.E.) and found that cuts most often hit the 3rd and 4th sternabrae; at least 76 % of the recovered individuals aged 5‑15 had such cuts, with the highest frequency in ages 13‑15, indicating skilled sacrificial techniques.
From the Spring 2025 UF Undergraduate Research Symposium · abstract book, p. 495
A Vessel for Ethnic Expression: How Pottery Reflects Identity in the SIAR of Chan Chan
The study looks at 255 pottery pieces found in the residential area of Chan Chan, Peru, to see how different ethnic groups expressed themselves through decoration. By comparing styles, colors, and surface treatments, the research aims to show how local and non‑local identities were shown in the city’s pottery.
From the Spring 2025 UF Undergraduate Research Symposium · abstract book, p. 269
Summaries are written by AI in plain language from public symposium abstracts and may be imperfect.
Recent papers, explained
- The social, economic, and symbolic role of mococho ( Chondracanthus chamissoi ) in modern Huanchaco and at Gramalote, a second-millennium BC maritime community, north coast of Peru
2026 · The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology
- Tendencies on the use and circulation of seaweed along the Andean Coast: Past and present
2026 · The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology
Compares seaweed use and trade along the Andean coast, linking it to local culture and environment.
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- NANOSECOND PULSED LASER CLEANING OF BURIAL CRUSTS FROM ANCIENT PERUVIAN COTTON TEXTILES: AN INITIAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE OPTIMUM PARAMETERS WITH PHOTOACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT
2026 · International Journal of Conservation Science
Tested laser cleaning on ancient Peruvian textiles using photoacoustic feedback to find optimal settings.
- The Purpose Death Serves: Trauma Analysis of Human Sacrifices at El Pollo, Moche Valley, Peru
2026 · Latin American Antiquity
Analyzes human sacrifices in Peru, focusing on trauma patterns and burial treatments.
- A Diachronic Archaeometallurgy Study of Metal Fishhooks in Huanchaco: Alloys and Manufacturing Techniques
2025 · Archaeometry
Studies metal fishhooks from Peru, examining their alloys and manufacturing techniques.
Plain-language summaries are AI-written and reviewed by us; check the paper for details.
How to reach out
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