different Bolivian regions and created diverse regional centers for archaeological research. Among these were the Regional Museum of Aukapata (1973), the Centers of Archaeological Investigations in Samaipata-Santa Cruz (1974), and the Center of Archaeological Research in Copacabana (1978) (Ponce Sanginés 1995). In contrast to the previous period, most archaeological research was conducted by Bolivians. Among those who stand out are Max Portugal Ortiz, Juan Faldín, José Estévez, and Oswaldo Rivera S. Portugal.

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The Gateway of the Sun,Tiwanaku

(Wolfgang Kaehler/Corbis)

Portugal Ortiz (1992) defined the Pa-Ajanu lithic sculpture style, discussed its connection with other formative cultures in Peru (Pucara), and augmented the inventory of Tiwanaku and Amazonian-related archaeological sites. Juan Faldín worked with the Mollo culture in Iskanwaya (in the mesothermal valleys) and refined the artifact inventory of the culture. José Estévez carried out excavations at Lukurmata (a secondary site of Tiwanaku) and Pasto Grande (in the Bolivian Yungas), and in collaboration with Marc Bermann, he investigated Wankarani, a formative highland culture. Oswaldo Rivera Sundt, along with Alan Kolata, worked in the rehabilitation of ancient agricultural raised fields in modern Aymara communities. Jorge Arellano also excavated different areas of Iskanwaya, defined the sources of the lithic materials of the Pumapunku pyramid, and conducted research at southern Bolivian Paleolithic sites.

In 1985, a new generation of Bolivian archaeologists, such as Eduardo Pareja and Javier Escalante, began working on research projects sponsored by INAR. This increase in archaeological research has focused on the highlands and on different excavations and surveys conducted by university museums throughout the country. The Institute of Anthropologic Research and the Archaeological Museum from the San Simón University (Cochabamba) and the Archaeological Museum of San Francisco Xavier (Chuquisaca) have coparticipated in a series