Celebrating 2016 International Archaeology Day at the María Parado de Bellido School in Nivín, Casma, Peru.

Nivín is located in the middle branch of the Casma Valley and is surrounded by archaeological sites that span the last several thousand years of the prehispanic period. Some of the sites are being encroached on by the current agricultural practices of the region.

An important activity on International Archaeology Day was for the community to collect trash that had accumulated over the years at the archaeological sites surrounding Nivín.

Another part of the 2016 International Archaeology Day celebration was the Tribute to Pachamama a deity revered by the Andean people. She is known as the earth/time mother. In the Andean belief Pachamama is a goddess of agricultural fertility.

Students from the Nivín school recreated the ceremony of their ancestors . . .

. . . dressed in clothing of the traditional style . . .

. . . making offerings in the agricultural fields that sustain the modern day community of Nivín.

The students of the School were involved in all parts of the celebration.

The celebration also included special exhibits at the Nivín Museum . . .

. . . visited by members of the local community and . . .

. . . public officials and teachers from the surrounding region including the city of Casma . . .

. . . along with their teachers.

The commitment of the teachers at the Nivín school is of critical importance to the success not just of the 2016 International Archaeology Day program . . .

. . . but the award winning curriculum they have developed at this rural Peruvian school.

The María Parado De Bellido School is firmly committed to preserving the archaeological heritage of the area.

Archaeology is an important part of the school curriculum.

The 2016 International Archaeology Day celebration was a complete success for our small community, school and museum.

For more information about cultural heritage projects in Nivín contact Culture and Community in Casma, Peru at:

cccasmaperu@gmail.com