Chile's Valdivia culture is one of the most important pre-Columbian cultures of South America. It is named after the site of the same name, located in what is now the city of Valdivia in southern Chile. The Valdivia culture was one of the earliest complex societies in the Americas, flourishing from approximately 3500 to 1800 BCE. It was a maritime culture with a highly developed economy and social structure, and it played an important role in the early development of the region.
The Valdivia culture was first discovered in the late 19th century, when the German archaeologist Max Uhle began excavating the site of Valdivia. Uhle uncovered a number of important artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and human remains. He also identified the site as the oldest known agricultural settlement in South America.
The Valdivia culture is believed to have originated in what is now Ecuador, and it is thought to have spread southward to the site of Valdivia. The culture was centered around the production of maize, beans, squash, and other crops, as well as the hunting and gathering of wild plants and animals. The Valdivia people developed a complex system of irrigation and water management, and they also built large ceremonial centers, such as the one at Valdivia.
The Valdivia culture was highly stratified, with a powerful elite class that controlled the production and distribution of resources. This elite class was made up of religious leaders, warriors, and craftspeople. The Valdivians also developed a complex system of writing, which was used to record important events and keep track of the production and distribution of resources.
The Valdivia culture was eventually replaced by the Chinchorro culture, which flourished from around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. The Chinchorro culture was a more mobile culture, and it is believed to have been the first culture in the Americas to practice mummification.
The Valdivia culture was a major influence on the later cultures of the region, including the Inca and Mapuche cultures. The Valdivian pottery style was adopted by the Inca, and the Mapuche people adopted many of the Valdivian agricultural practices. Today, the Valdivia culture is remembered as one of the most important pre-Columbian cultures of South America.