In May, 1991, the Social Sciences Department of Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (National University of Trujillo) began the implementation of the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna Archeological Project. Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna are part of the Huacas of Moche Archeological Complex, one of the most important pre-Hispanic monuments on the north coast of Peru.

At all times, the goal of the research program has been to provide a better understanding of one of the most accomplished pre-Hispanic societies of the desert Peruvian coastline: the Moche. Regarding the architectural aspect, it seeks to preserve the monuments and adapt them for tourism purposes.

Research results have revealed that the city may have existed at least during Moche phases III and IV, a period during which the urban area took the appearance by which it is known nowadays. Knowledge of the urban area is still partial and little is known about the oldest occupation levels. Research is now directed at answering these important questions.

Working at the Huaca de la Luna Archaeological Project will provide students with the opportunity of taking part in an archaeological project that has been operating continuously for the past 14 years. Students will be trained in archaeological excavation as well as in laboratory work: exploration of stratigraphical and architectural elements, profile drawing and proceedings during registration and analysis of cultural material.

Finally, monumental areas allow research on the architectural and artistic elements that were closely related to the ruling classes, the importance of their ideological content, and their role in the organization and administration of Moche society. Students will also have the chance to participate in restoration and preservation activities carried out in the main structures.

The Huaca de la Luna Field School Program aims to awaken in students an interest in archaeological research of Moche society, one of the main cultural manifestations of the Peruvian north coast and of the Andean world. At the same time, the program seeks to instruct students in the archaeological excavation techniques used in the research of Moche sites, specially those employed in the study of what was at some point one of the main urban, political, and religious centers of this society.

Huaca de La Luna Archaeological Project is directed by Dr. Santiago Uceda (Ph. D., Bordeaux University, France).

Santiago E. Uceda Castillo

Santiago has studied Archaeology at the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (UNT), Peru, from 1973 to 1979. In 1986 he has obtained his Doctoral degree at the University of Bordeaux, France, with a dissertation about the Paijan lithic industry at Casma Valley, North Coast of  Peru.
He is a professor at the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo since 1987, and Director of Huaca de la Luna Archaeological Project since 1991. Dr. Uceda is at the present one of the most succesful peruvian archaeologists and he has published many papers about the Moche and Huaca de la Luna, in difeferent publications and languages.