The Ministry of Culture of Peru organized the First Conference on Peruvian Archaeology: Praxis, Reflections, and New Perspectives in Puno on April 15. The event was held to promote knowledge and appreciation of cultural heritage in the region as part of the commemoration for the Day of the Peruvian Archaeologist.
The conference aimed to highlight contemporary practices, approaches, and challenges in archaeology. It brought together archaeologists, authorities, students, and members of the public at Casa de la Cultura de Puno for discussions about archaeological research and heritage management.
Presentations during the academic session covered topics such as rescue efforts at Paucarcolla archaeological site, studies on rock art connected to high Andean landscapes like Nuñoa and Macusani, and archaeological surveys in Condebamba valley. Edmundo Cordero Maldonado, director of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) Puno, spoke about public management and archaeology in Puno. He said that “Puno has significant archaeological wealth with more than one thousand two hundred sites under legal protection for cultural heritage.” Cordero Maldonado also reported ongoing conservation actions including improvements at Museo Lítico de Pukara and maintenance at Sillustani site. He added that 34 provisional protection resolutions have been processed for sites across the region.
Artistic performances by Sentimiento Antropológico Takiy Sunkuy ensemble and Asociación Cultural Luriguayos Espíritu Santo accompanied the event’s academic activities.
During the conference, recognitions were awarded to notable archaeologists from Puno for their contributions to strengthening identity and preserving historical memory in Peru’s highlands.
The Ministry fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across Peru according to its official website. It uses decentralized facilities alongside its San Borja headquarters to support programs according to its official website, serving communities throughout Peru according to its official website. The Ministry is an autonomous entity within Peru’s Executive Branch according to its official website led by a minister according to its official website. Its mission includes promoting cultural identity while combating discrimination through intercultural dialogue according to its official website. Established in 2010, it oversees national policy on culture while supporting initiatives that advance social inclusion and national identity according to its official website.
