During the second half of June, Fernando Carranza, a doctoral student in Anthropology at Tulane University (USA), spent two weeks collaborating with Dr. Javier Echeverría, a professor in the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology at the University of Santiago, Chile.
The visit was driven by Carranza’s interest in learning advanced analytical chemistry techniques to study archaeological artifacts. Specifically, he aimed to examine those that might contain remnants of psychoactive plants used in rituals by ancient Andean Amazonian cultures.
“My focus on archaeology and ethnobotany aligns seamlessly with Javier’s strengths in chemistry,” Carranza stated. “Through analytical chemistry, we can uncover evidence of plants utilized by past populations, as well as those currently employed by traditional cultures in the Amazon.”
Beyond establishing new partnerships, the collaboration with Dr. Echeverría seeks to significantly advance knowledge regarding ritual practices in the ancient Andes. Carranza noted, “We still understand very little about the nature of rituals in the past, but we do know that the use of certain plants was central to these practices.”
The researcher’s studies are linked to two archaeological projects in Peru—Canchas Ukro (Ancash Region) and Chavín Punta–Condorai (Pasco Region)—where artifacts potentially bearing chemical residues of interest are being recovered from ritual contexts.
The stay further supports Tulane University’s initiative to encourage specialized training in various global laboratories. “I’m interested in mastering the use of this equipment for archaeological purposes,” Carranza stated, “and Dr. Echeverría’s lab proved to be among the most ideal locations worldwide for this research.”