HISTORY
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies (CIPS) was established in 1985 in order to execute a long-term program of archaeological site survey, mapping and excavation in Peru. It was incorporated in California as a non-profit charitable corporation in 1985, and received its tax-exempt 501c3 status from the IRS in 1986. Founders of CIPS included Francis Riddell, who followed up on archaeological fieldwork on the south coast of Peru in the 1950s with a return to work in the area after retiring as the California State Archaeologist in the early 1980s. CIPS was created to provide researchers and students from the U.S., Peru, and elsewhere the opportunity to participate in multi-year archaeological and other research projects. The program is carried out in close cooperation with and under the permit of, the Peruvian National Institute of Culture (INC).
CIPS is a non-profit organization whose principal objectives include discovery, preservation, investigation and dissemination of data contributing to a more complete record of Peruvian culture. CIPS also recognizes an obligation to help support Peru's under-funded archaeology students and professionals. By combining our scientific and educational pursuits with an ethical and careful program of tourism we have created a self-sufficient program which serves to further our stated objectives.
Research is carried out in two regions of the Peruvian coastal zone: the south coastal region, including the Acari, Yauca and Chala river valleys and the regions in between; and, the north coastal region, including the Chao river valley. Over 150 sites have been recorded so far, and only some are beginning to be investigated. On going site survey continually adds to this inventory, fueling expectations and the attendant responsibility for more in-depth examination.
Current studies are diverse and include not only archaeology, but also ecology, geography, geology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and land use. They are designed to provide a clearer, multi-disciplinary based understanding of culture history and process in these areas. Research areas include the development of civilization, advances in textile arts, ceramics, metallurgy, sculpture and architecture, long-term changes in health and land-use, long-distance exchange relationships and soeio-political evolution.
CIPS Archaeological Expeditions are serious research projects supervised by qualified professionals, with team members providing a much-needed variety of skills. A team typically consists of archaeological professionals and students, both Peruvian and foreign, and avocationals who work alongside the project leaders.
There is increasing acceptance of the principal of archaeo-tourism in the scientific community since it provides not only the resources to undertake serious investigation, but also provides an outlet for timely dissemination of information regarding our work without solely relying upon conventional means of reporting.
VISION/PURPOSE
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies (CIPS) seeks to bring together a group of professional archaeologists and lay persons committed to the study and preservation of archaeological resources in Peru.
MISSION
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies realizes that by the combined effort of concerned individuals it is possible to make a difference in stemming the losses being sustained to Peru's patrimony due to increased urban and suburban development, agricultural expansion, vandalism, and other forces so commonly felt throughout the globe. To accomplish its Mission the California Institute for Peruvian Studies sends short-term teams to its designated study areas: 1) the southcentral coastal region of Peru, and 2) the Trujillo area on the north coast, to undertake archaeological site surveys and excavations. All research is done under a permit from the Peruvian government and with the participation of both Peruvian and non-Peruvian volunteers working together.
PHILOSOPHY
All cultures, indeed all humankind, has an inalienable right to know its patrimony . . . to know its past, regardless how complex or simple.
PROCESS
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies realizes its goals by two basic methods: 1) Promoting instructor-led classes, and 2) Archaeo-tourism, in which groups/individuals may assist licensed archaeologists in a hands-on experience in Peruvian archaeology. The participants in both methods are volunteers who choose to have a fulfilling and exciting experience not otherwise readily available to them. This experience is enhanced by the participation of Peruvian students as well as local people with expertise and/or interest. The Peruvians participate at no cost to themselves, but as guests of CIPS. The interaction of participants with the Peruvians promotes a larger community feeling with respect to the care, study and preservation of Peru's past.
The instructor-led classes may extend for two, four and sometimes six weeks; they may be taken for credit or by audit. These classes are led by instructors with a broad background in archaeology and the classes are serious endeavors but with sufficient diversity and in such a convivial atmosphere that learning is not a chore but an exciting experience. There is an emphasis on local community participation to foster intercultural exchange and understanding. We teach and we learn!
For those individuals who dream of being an "Indiana Jones" the second option is open for their interest. Despite the fact that participating in a hands-on archaeological experience will not necessarily provide academic units for the participant, he/she will be learning the techniques and theory of archaeology while doing it. You will be learning, having fun and getting dirty! This opportunity is being provided for all persons 18 years of age, or older. In fact, some of our most enthusiastic and productive past participants have been in their 70's! While it is true that archaeology can be strenuous no one is expected to do more than he or she should physically do.
CIPS is extraordinarily fortunate to have as its archaeological partner the Catholic University of Santa Maria (UCSM), Arequipa. This fine educational institution participates in all levels of our program in Peru. The laboratory and storage facility are in the city of Arequipa and are a part of the University campus. Arequipa, high in the Andes, is known as the "White City" because so many of its structures are made from blocks of white volcanic ash. It is in this charming setting that participants assist in the care, cataloging, study and storage of the very extensive archaeological collection amassed by CIPS over the years. This work is done under the direction of trained museum collections staff people.
CIPS also has an agreement with the Regional Museum of Ica in the city of Ica near where one of our major excavation projects is underway. The Museum curates the collections from the site of Cerrillos, thus the students are able to participate in a museum experience involving the preparation of specimens for study and storage. One of the most interesting aspects of our association with the Ica Museum is our class on Peruvian textiles that involves ancient textiles, a class further enhanced by interaction with present-day native weavers.
At the request of any participants in any of our programs we will arrange for people to extend their stay to go on tour to other places in Peru. While in Peru it would be a shame not to visit such places as Cuzco, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Machu Picchu, and Sipan and Trujillo on the north coast, as well as other exotic and historic places in that country. We have found that with people working together much can be done to preserve, protect and interpret the ancient and recent history of Peru. CIPS welcomes your participation!
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies (CIPS) was established in 1985 in order to execute a long-term program of archaeological site survey, mapping and excavation in Peru. It was incorporated in California as a non-profit charitable corporation in 1985, and received its tax-exempt 501c3 status from the IRS in 1986. Founders of CIPS included Francis Riddell, who followed up on archaeological fieldwork on the south coast of Peru in the 1950s with a return to work in the area after retiring as the California State Archaeologist in the early 1980s. CIPS was created to provide researchers and students from the U.S., Peru, and elsewhere the opportunity to participate in multi-year archaeological and other research projects. The program is carried out in close cooperation with and under the permit of, the Peruvian National Institute of Culture (INC).
CIPS is a non-profit organization whose principal objectives include discovery, preservation, investigation and dissemination of data contributing to a more complete record of Peruvian culture. CIPS also recognizes an obligation to help support Peru's under-funded archaeology students and professionals. By combining our scientific and educational pursuits with an ethical and careful program of tourism we have created a self-sufficient program which serves to further our stated objectives.
Research is carried out in two regions of the Peruvian coastal zone: the south coastal region, including the Acari, Yauca and Chala river valleys and the regions in between; and, the north coastal region, including the Chao river valley. Over 150 sites have been recorded so far, and only some are beginning to be investigated. On going site survey continually adds to this inventory, fueling expectations and the attendant responsibility for more in-depth examination.
Current studies are diverse and include not only archaeology, but also ecology, geography, geology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and land use. They are designed to provide a clearer, multi-disciplinary based understanding of culture history and process in these areas. Research areas include the development of civilization, advances in textile arts, ceramics, metallurgy, sculpture and architecture, long-term changes in health and land-use, long-distance exchange relationships and soeio-political evolution.
CIPS Archaeological Expeditions are serious research projects supervised by qualified professionals, with team members providing a much-needed variety of skills. A team typically consists of archaeological professionals and students, both Peruvian and foreign, and avocationals who work alongside the project leaders.
There is increasing acceptance of the principal of archaeo-tourism in the scientific community since it provides not only the resources to undertake serious investigation, but also provides an outlet for timely dissemination of information regarding our work without solely relying upon conventional means of reporting.
VISION/PURPOSE
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies (CIPS) seeks to bring together a group of professional archaeologists and lay persons committed to the study and preservation of archaeological resources in Peru.
MISSION
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies realizes that by the combined effort of concerned individuals it is possible to make a difference in stemming the losses being sustained to Peru's patrimony due to increased urban and suburban development, agricultural expansion, vandalism, and other forces so commonly felt throughout the globe. To accomplish its Mission the California Institute for Peruvian Studies sends short-term teams to its designated study areas: 1) the southcentral coastal region of Peru, and 2) the Trujillo area on the north coast, to undertake archaeological site surveys and excavations. All research is done under a permit from the Peruvian government and with the participation of both Peruvian and non-Peruvian volunteers working together.
PHILOSOPHY
All cultures, indeed all humankind, has an inalienable right to know its patrimony . . . to know its past, regardless how complex or simple.
PROCESS
The California Institute for Peruvian Studies realizes its goals by two basic methods: 1) Promoting instructor-led classes, and 2) Archaeo-tourism, in which groups/individuals may assist licensed archaeologists in a hands-on experience in Peruvian archaeology. The participants in both methods are volunteers who choose to have a fulfilling and exciting experience not otherwise readily available to them. This experience is enhanced by the participation of Peruvian students as well as local people with expertise and/or interest. The Peruvians participate at no cost to themselves, but as guests of CIPS. The interaction of participants with the Peruvians promotes a larger community feeling with respect to the care, study and preservation of Peru's past.
The instructor-led classes may extend for two, four and sometimes six weeks; they may be taken for credit or by audit. These classes are led by instructors with a broad background in archaeology and the classes are serious endeavors but with sufficient diversity and in such a convivial atmosphere that learning is not a chore but an exciting experience. There is an emphasis on local community participation to foster intercultural exchange and understanding. We teach and we learn!
For those individuals who dream of being an "Indiana Jones" the second option is open for their interest. Despite the fact that participating in a hands-on archaeological experience will not necessarily provide academic units for the participant, he/she will be learning the techniques and theory of archaeology while doing it. You will be learning, having fun and getting dirty! This opportunity is being provided for all persons 18 years of age, or older. In fact, some of our most enthusiastic and productive past participants have been in their 70's! While it is true that archaeology can be strenuous no one is expected to do more than he or she should physically do.
CIPS is extraordinarily fortunate to have as its archaeological partner the Catholic University of Santa Maria (UCSM), Arequipa. This fine educational institution participates in all levels of our program in Peru. The laboratory and storage facility are in the city of Arequipa and are a part of the University campus. Arequipa, high in the Andes, is known as the "White City" because so many of its structures are made from blocks of white volcanic ash. It is in this charming setting that participants assist in the care, cataloging, study and storage of the very extensive archaeological collection amassed by CIPS over the years. This work is done under the direction of trained museum collections staff people.
CIPS also has an agreement with the Regional Museum of Ica in the city of Ica near where one of our major excavation projects is underway. The Museum curates the collections from the site of Cerrillos, thus the students are able to participate in a museum experience involving the preparation of specimens for study and storage. One of the most interesting aspects of our association with the Ica Museum is our class on Peruvian textiles that involves ancient textiles, a class further enhanced by interaction with present-day native weavers.
At the request of any participants in any of our programs we will arrange for people to extend their stay to go on tour to other places in Peru. While in Peru it would be a shame not to visit such places as Cuzco, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Machu Picchu, and Sipan and Trujillo on the north coast, as well as other exotic and historic places in that country. We have found that with people working together much can be done to preserve, protect and interpret the ancient and recent history of Peru. CIPS welcomes your participation!