Selling Goods:
Because different housing compounds specialize in different jobs, we must share our goods with one another so that everyone has access to the goods and supplies necessary to live comfortably.  In our compound we focus on producing pots and ceramics and we must produce not only enough for ourselves, but also enough for our neighbors who will provide us with different goods, in return. 

We trade locally and therefore do not have to carry our goods to far markets; instead, we just set up a small showcase of items for our neighboring families to see.  This allows us to carry on with our daily activities while also trading with each other.

Compounds and Supercompounds:
Though Tiwanaku is a very large city, it is unnecessary to regularly travel far outside of our own residential compound.  Instead, many families live together within a walled community of smaller housing compounds.  In my community of five families, we all share a water supply, drainage canals, and other commodities. 

For more about compound types at Tiwanaku, click here.

Because of our close interactions with each other, I feel that everyone within the community is part of a large family.  This unity between people has taught me the values of sharing and teamwork, and also of loyalty and duty.