Huaca Prieta

Huaca Prieta ("Black Pyramid") is a preceramic archaeological site at the mouth of the Chicama River in northern Peru, part of the El Brujo Archaeological Complex. Human presence dates back approximately 14,000 years, while mound construction began around 7,500 years ago and continued for 4,000 years, reaching 30 meters tall. The inhabitants grew squash, chilies, and cotton, caught fish, and wove baskets and cloth without pottery or maize. Researchers discovered the world's earliest known use of indigo dye, a 6,000-year-old textile predating Egyptian indigo by 1,500 years. First excavated by Junius B. Bird in 1946-1947.