ABSTRACT

The Andean Wari state expanded in the early 7th century CE. Wari built imperial style complexes in several provincial areas to house state representatives, but many members of subject groups also would have experienced these buildings as occupants or visitors. This type of experience may have been a powerful catalyst for change in some regions. In the Wari province of Moquegua local leaders appear to have adopted features of Wari style houses; however, most houses were vernacular structures. Differences in the design of Wari and vernacular housing suggest that some features of Wari residential design and use may have clashed with cosmological principles evinced by the dwellings of subject groups. In this chapter I emphasize the importance of residential architecture as a ‘structuring structure,’ describe the significant differences between Wari and vernacular styles, and consider cosmological clashes and compromises as a common attribute of imperial society.