Chilean desert cemetery tells tale of ancient trade specialists
Contrary to previous theories, powerful Tiwanaku empire did not rule there
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/082115_bb_tiwanakumain.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
TRADER’S CUP An ancient desert cemetery in Chile contains members of an elite group of locals and outsiders who handled the distribution of goods from a regional trading network, a new study suggests. One of these trade specialists, a foreigner, was buried with these gold drinking vessels, one decorated with a human face.
C. Torres-Rouff