ARQUEOLOGÍA is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, with electronic format and four-monthly frequency, edited by the Instituto de Arqueología, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras (FFyL), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Its contents are published online through continuous flow and are available in open access, free of charge and with no time embargoes of any kind. The main objective of this journal is to publish original and unpublished contributions written in Spanish or English resulting from archaeological research, or from multidisciplinary research or related disciplines whose objectives have been guided archaeologically. Manuscripts may be empirically, methodologically, theoretically or historiographically oriented, covering any chronological period and geographic region. Manuscripts can only be submitted through the ARQUEOLOGÍA journal portal, by registering with a username and password, during the deadlines established in the specific calls for papers. All contributions must conform to the criteria stipulated in Author Guidelines and Code of Ethics and Best Practices.
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Blades as a distinct technological system. Analysis of lithic assemblages of the Cerro Casa de Piedra 7 site (Santa Cruz, Argentina) during the Middle Holocene.
The present article explores the lithic technological organization at the Cerro Casa de Piedra 7 (CCP7) site, located in the lake-mountain area of northwest Santa Cruz, Argentina. CCP7 has a broad chronological sequence that shows the incorporation of lithic blade technology from ca. 7800 cal BP. This is not an isolated phenomenon, as at a regional level this new technology begins to become visible from the middle Holocene, forming an alternative to flake technology. In this study, artifacts made on blades were compared with those manufactured on other types of blanks. In this way, the aim was to evaluate the internal variability of the assemblage, identify manufacturing patterns, and propose possible uses related to the blades subset. The results indicate a certain degree of standardization of the pieces, an efficient use of their edges, a careful selection of raw materials, and specialized designs to perform specific tasks. All this suggests that the adoption of this new technology did not respond so much to a maximization of lithic resources, but rather to a search to optimize the efficiency and versatility of these tools. Thus, this work provides new information on the introduction and development of blade technology in central-southern Patagonia and invites us to consider what motivated its incorporation and/or adoption by the hunter-gatherer groups that inhabited the region from the middle Holocene onwards.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nicolás Maveroff, María Teresa Civalero
List of recent Doctoral Dissertations completed at the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, UBA
List and summaries of PhD Dissertations (FFyL, UBA)
Villa Guasayán Cementerio (Santiago del Estero province, Argentina). Superficial archaeological site or denudation of the land? New contributions to understanding site formation and occupation
Villa Guasayán Cementerio (VGC) is an open-air archaeological site located in the homonymous locality, near to the Western slope of the Guasayán hills (Santiago del Estero Province). In previous works carried out in 2009, lithic, pottery (scarce), and archaeofaunistic remains were recovered on the surface and, through morpho-typological analysis of projectile points; the archaeological context was associated with an industry from the late stages of the Preceramic period. In 2017 and 2018, surveys and surface collections were carried out, 11 m2 were excavated and aerial photographs were taken with a drone. On this occasion, the chronology and formation site processes are discussed in light of the two new radiocarbon dates and the analysis of pottery remains found in stratigraphy (Sunchitúyoj style), novelty lithic artifacts and the predominance of smaller size faunal resources. The sub-surface nature of the site, the degradation of the soil by meteoric agents and transit of domestic animals (pigs, goats and sheep) made the interpretation of the site difficult. However, despite these post-depositional processes, we consider that VGC corresponds to a residential site of the late Pottery stage seasonally inhabited during summer, from where its inhabitants provided themselves with lithic, pottery and faunal resources, possibly at different distances. Finally, domestic tasks were carried out at VGC that involved the use of pottery (mainly of the Sunchitúyoj style), reduction of cores using the bipolar technique, manufacture and/or reactivation of unifacial tools, spinning tasks, cleaning of skins and consumption of animals, with preponderance of those with smaller size.
Bioarchaeology of interethnic violence. A model to approach the indigenous attack on Fort San Jose (Valdes Peninsula, Chubut, Argentina)
The available documentary sources show that in 1810 an indigenous attack put an end to the Spanish occupations in Fuerte San José and Puesto de la Fuente (1779-1810) in Peninsula Valdés, Chubut. However, historical information about this episode is scarce and ambiguous, which is why our project has recently developed a specific line of research to discuss this incident within the trajectory of interethnic relations in these settlements. In this context, we present here a model with various possible scenarios to materially characterize the attack based on: a) historical documentation referring to the characteristics and material conditions of the indigenous attack of 1810 on the settlements of Peninsula Valdés; b) broader ethnohistorical sources and studies on material aspects of regional interethnic conflict in the period studied; c) general bioarchaeological information on situations of interpersonal violence and interethnic conflict in different contexts and their material consequences in terms of the bioarchaeological record, including taphonomic aspects linked to the preservation of human remains; d) osteological, archaeological and taphonomic data available and specific to the Fuerte San José context. We then derive bioarchaeological expectations (contextual and osteological) from the model, that will allow us to develop specific strategies in the identification and study of the bioarchaeological record of the malón and differentiate it from other events of mortality and burial of human remains in the settlement. We aim to contribute to the growing field of bioarchaeology of violence, within the framework of ongoing research into historical bioarchaeology in the colonial settlements of Peninsula Valdés.
Copyright (c) 2025 Solana García Guraieb, Silvana Buscaglia
Arqueología del Paisaje y ocupación del espacio en valles fluviales del sur bonaerense (siglo XIX)
First absolute chronology data for the archeology of the Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo National Park (Santa Cruz, Argentina)
Systematic archaeological investigations in the Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo National Park have provided new insights into the hunter-gatherer populations that once inhabited the area. Initial research efforts focused on local-scale surface surveys, which were later followed by attempts to deepen our understanding of the chronology of human occupation within the protected area. To this end, the 2019 fieldwork prioritized stratigraphic excavations in order to collect samples for radiocarbon analysis. Three archaeological sites were tested, located in both high and low sectors of the Laguna Grande basin. Among the excavated materials, two large mammal bone fragments, probably from guanaco (Lama guanicoe), were selected for dating: a rib fragment from the Parapeto Meseta de La Horqueta site and a fragment of a diaphysis with a helical fracture from the De La Ostia site. The radiocarbon dates place human occupation in the Late Holocene, before the Hispanic contact. These results are significant as they represent the first absolute chronology study for the Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo National Park. Moreover, one of the obtained dates constitutes the earliest evidence for parapet structures in the surveyed region of southern Patagonia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lucía Angélica Magnin, Rocío Vanesa Blanco, María Rodríguez Ceja
New radiocarbon dates of human remains from central Argentina and their contribution to the discussion of the regional peopling
In central Argentina, the earliest evidence of human presence, recorded between ca. 13,000 and 10,600 cal BP, is scarce, while after 9600 cal BP the archaeological signal becomes more intense. Within this later period are the human remains recovered from the localities of Jesús María and Ascochinga (Córdoba Province, Argentina), which are the focus of this study. In Jesús María, J. Delprato excavated three spatially close burials in 1951, while in Ascochinga, he excavated a burial site in 1959. The former were analysed by Alfredo Castellanos and all the human remains were preserved in the Castellanos collection, housed in the Florentino and Carlos Ameghino Museum of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario. This paper presents new chronological information of two of these individuals, recently dated by AMS to ca. 8500 and 7809 cal BP, respectively, placing them in the middle Holocene. Isotopic information was also obtained providing a first approximation to the diet of these individuals. The implications of these dates are analysed to discuss the peopling of central Argentina, considering all the available dates for the region. It is concluded that the dating of these human remains to the middle Holocene reinforces the archaeological evidence corresponding to this period, following two millennia with low archaeological signal in the region after the Pleistocene-Holocene Transition, supporting the proposals about a new colonization process of central Argentina.
Copyright (c) 2025 Silvia Cornero, Diego Rivero, Gustavo Politis, José M. Capriles
Dinner for two. The interpretation of armadillos (Chlamyphoridae) archaeological remains from north-central Patagonia (Argentina)
Demographic growth is frequently linked to the increase in the taxonomic representation of small-sized species in late Holocene archaeological contexts from Pampa and Patagonia. During the last 3,500 years human presence has increased in northwest of Chubut and southwest of Río Negro, although small vertebrates represented a marginal contribution to the diet, that was centered on huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe). To specify the contribution of a mammal family not yet evaluated in detail, we analyze the taphonomic trajectories of armadillos (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) remains from 13 archaeological contexts located in the forest and the steppe using ethological, ethnohistorical, historical, experimental and naturalistic information as frames of references. The results show that, in a forest context and in four steppe contexts, despite the relatively low taxonomic representation, armadillos were consumed and, in one case, used as artifacts. It was also established that predation by carnivorous mammals very important in several steppe contexts, even in those with evidence of human exploitation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mercedes Grisel Fernández, Pablo Marcelo Fernández
Comprehensive Approach for the Analysis of the Organization and Use of Space in the Mound Complex 'Isla de los Talitas' (Rocha, Uruguay)
This article focuses on the set of earth mounds at Isla de los Talitas, in the India Muerta region of Uruguay. The site presents 10 structures of different sizes and morphologies, which show a constructive and residential recurrence between 3813 ± 26 and 999 ± 26 years BP. A technological analysis of the lithic assemblage and a distributional analysis of the recovered materials were carried out, considering the formation and organization processes in different spaces and structures of the settlement. The mound builder groups developed a mainly expeditive lithic technology, based on the local availability of raw materials, an aspect correlated with groups with a certain degree of sedentism. The presence of tools, cores, and reactivation flakes, as well as ceramic remains, reflect the realization of domestic activities at the site. Possibly, many of the analyzed remains resulted from activities that took place in different areas and that were incorporated as construction materials in some mounds, together with other materials such as anthill soil. In some interfacial surfaces, domestic activities also occurred, as evidenced by the presence of tools and faunal remains exhibiting distinct groupings, along with indications of imprints from perishable materials. The work carried out shows, on long-term scales, the recurrence in the choice of the same places to inhabit and build, as well as the differential use of space at a synchronic and diachronic level.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nicolás Gazzán, Cristina Cancela Cereijo, Camila Gianotti
A preliminary study of distributional archaeology in the Melipeuco region, Araucanía Andina, Chile
This paper presents the preliminary results of systematic sampling in the Molulco microregion, Melipeuco, Araucania Andina, Chile. It is an interesting area to discuss lifeways, exploitation and circulation of raw materials in a forest environment. We provide initial information at different scales by correlating the distribution and characteristics of the surface lithic record with expectations from previous works. A total of 680.000 mts2 with a total of 5.869 artefacts in 144 survey points were surveyed. Using the techno-typological and raw material registry carried out in the field, and the subsequent geostatistical analysis through GIS, we present the first tendencies on spatial patterns related to lithic technology. The predominant presence of obsidian, and the identification of supply areas of this raw material allow us to discuss, from a distributional perspective, the circulation and procurement of obsidian from Sollipulli volcano. We expect that the results obtained allow us to discuss the internodal role that this space could have had in a wider network of human interaction from different paths between both Anden slopes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariana Sacchi, Mario G. Maldonado, Ramiro Barberena, Gustavo F. Lucero
Archaeological research in the Casucha El Juncalillo (CEJ) - El Juncalillo House. Results of the first interventions at the site and preliminary analysis of historical ceramics (Río Blanco-International Pathway, Los Andes, Chile)
This article presents the preliminary results of the morphological and functional analysis of the historical ceramic record, in particular refined earthenware and glazed ceramics, recovered in the archaeological interventions (systematic surface survey and excavation) of the El Juncalillo site during 2017. The information obtained, together with research work on historical and historiographic documentary information, allowed us to study its occupation. It also allowed us to advance in the explanation of the formation processes of a site characterized by a wide surface archaeological distribution and low stratigraphic power. The chronological interval of the occupation covers from the fifteenth century to the twentieth century. The ceramics analyzed would correspond to domestic vessels, related to feeding and playing activities, in coherence with the functionality attributed to the house (mountain refuge). A regional origin of glazed ceramics is postulated, possibly related to the production of the workshops in Mendoza during the Colonial and Republican periods. The refined earthenware has variable decorative patterns and European origin. An English and Dutch origin of some pieces has been verified from the attributes of decorations and trademarks. The analysis corroborated both the widespread occupation of the property between the end of the eighteenth century and the first half of the twentieth, as well as the recurrent use of the site. The presence of ceramics that possess different technologies and chronologies confirms the importance of this mountain refuge system, regarding transit along the international route, beyond the late Colonial period
Copyright (c) 2025 Lorena Puebla, Marcos Quiroga
Arquitectura y asentamiento de las sociedades tardías del sector centro-norte del Valle de Vinchina, La Rioja
The Urupez archaeological site: data, analysis, and new perspectives on a Late Pleistocene artifact assemblage in Uruguay
The Urupez archaeological site provides extensive stratigraphic evidence of the technological components associated with fishtail projectile points. A recent archaeological excavation on the farm where this site is located has uncovered new information about its archaeological deposits. Observations on the local stratigraphic matrix, the distribution of the artifact assemblages, and the radiocarbon dates obtained from the sediments suggest a complexity in the formation processes of the site that was not previously considered or reported. The new evidence indicates inconsistencies in the resolution of the defined archaeological components. The results show that the contextual and chronological relationships reported on the earliest assemblages are weak and require revision. The article discusses the discovery of new lithic artifacts at the Urupez archaeological site, which are associated with early bifacial technology. These artifacts include a 'fishtail' projectile point. The significance of Urupez as a site for understanding human migrations at the end of the Pleistocene is emphasized. The article also reaffirms the need to expand the well-documented stratigraphic and chronological evidence for a correct legitimization of its early contexts. 2.14.0.0 2.14.0.0
List of recent Graduate Student Theses completed at the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad de Buenos Aires
List and summaries of Undergraduate Theses (FFyL, UBA)
Biography of a singular (or not so much) mound with incomplete inhumations. Formation, chronology, and funerary practices on the Mancapa site (Chaco sudamericano, Santiago del Estero, Argentina)
This paper analyzes the results of archaeological excavations and new datings conducted on a Mound 1 of the Mancapa site (Santiago del Estero plains, Argentina). The aim is to evaluate formation of the mound structure, its chronology, and the associated funerary activities, issues that remain unresolved in local archaeology. The case presents a significant number of anthropogenic interventions and a diversity of burial situations. The study helped clarify the processes of distributions of human remains from two individuals in four distinct burial traits/context and in relation to two occupation levels. Additionally, the study allowed the identification of different stages and constituent activities, revealing the reuse of the same space for different purposes and a long-term formation process (from the early first millennium to peri-colonial times). It is suggested that the mound’s elevation may have involved deliberate additions of sediments and the burial process was shaped by a series of events distributed over time, potentially linked to a funerary ritual program that was spatially regulated and present in the life and memories of those who inhabited the site. These practices may have influenced the mobilization and incorporation of materials from different periods within the mound and the distribution of the dated samples.
Copyright (c) 2025 Constanza Taboada, Silvina Rodríguez Curletto
Temporal constructions in the archaeology of the mountain sector of Córdoba province (Argentina): a review of applications in the last 140 years of archaeological research
The archaeology of the province of Córdoba, especially in the southern sector of the Southern Pampean Hills, has been the focus of archaeological research for at least the last 140 years. Although this interest in discovering and studying the ways of life of the pre-Hispanic societies that inhabited this area seems a detailed and synchronous task, the fact is that much of the archaeology of the Sierras has been marked by asynchronous hiatuses of little or no research, where a wide range of researchers and teams have converged in various institutions, adhering to heterogeneous theoretical and practical affiliations. The culmination of research conducted throughout this course has resulted in an extensive array of temporal constructs formulated by the archaeological community to measure and chronologically situate the archaeological time of its objects of study. This paper, without striving for a unification of criteria on the part of specialists, aims to highlight how such constructs were conceived and used at different moments in the development of the discipline, from a qualitative and quantitative approach. We start then from the assumption that there is a large corpus of definitions to refer to a specific moment in time and many of them coexist simultaneously throughout the literature. We thus focus on the premise that time is a fundamental category for our science and that, in general, it has not received a critical treatment by regional archaeology.
Copyright (c) 2025 Humberto Aguilar, Camila Brizuela, Julian Mignino, M. Paula Weihmüller
Social interactions between the highlands and valleys during the Formative period (2400-1100 years BP), through petrographic perspective in Antofagasta de la Sierra, Catamarca (Argentina)
This article presents the results of petrographic analysis conducted on 49 samples of decorated and undecorated pottery. These samples were obtained from the formative sites of Casa Chávez Montículos and Corral Grande 1, located in Antofagasta de la Sierra (ANS), province of Catamarca. Through the petrographic characterization of the ceramics, we aimed to identify different technological traditions that would allow us to elucidate the possible origin of the vessels, considering the presence in both sites of decorative styles that refer to ceramics from the Puna, northern Chile and the mesothermal valleys of Northwestern Argentina. The analysis recognized 12 types of pastes, whose petrographic characteristics allowed us to conclude that during the Formative period at ANS, various styles of ceramics coexisted, manufactured following different production guidelines and using different sources of raw materials. It was interpreted that a large part of the ceramic assemblage analyzed was produced locally, while a smaller fraction comes from the valleys and ravines of the Northwestern Argentina and another used clay from the Antofalla region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Martín Tomás Casanova Menéndez, Martina Inés Pérez, Pablo Tchilinguirian, Daniel Enzo Olivera
Among bushes, streams, and hills: a comparative approach to the morphological, technical and spatial diversity of the petroglyphs from southern Santiago del Estero, Argentina
This work analyzes comparatively six sites with petroglyphs located in the Ambargasta and Ramírez de Velasco hills, in southern Santiago del Estero. The morphological and technical diversity of the petroglyphs, their size and treatment, the spatial relationships between motifs and the location of the panels in the broader landscape are considered. Unlike previous studies that highlighted the homogeneity of this repertoire of images, the analysis shows that the engravings from southern Santiago del Estero are diverse, both at the inter-hill level and within each hill. The diversity found was evaluated in the context of the petroglyphs from other sectors of the Pampean Sierra, such as the Northwestern hills of Córdoba, the Ancasti hill (Catamarca) and the valleys of Northwest Argentina. The results show two situations. The first involves motifs widely shared on the supraregional scale (footprints, circumferences, dots and lines) linked, at least in their subject matter, with hunter-gatherer societies. In the second situation, these images are no longer so predominant and occur among other types of motifs that provide a local signature to the places. However, the identity ties with the hunter-gatherer origin of the populations were never lost through this technique.
Copyright (c) 2025 Natalia Carden, Diego Catriel Leon
Rock art in spaces of mobility and convergence: geospatial approach to social dynamics among Late Holocene hunter-gatherer groups in the High Maule Cordillera, North Patagonia (Chile, 36°S)
This study aims to understand the specific characteristics that visual marking through rock art adopted in the high Andean area of the Maule region (Chile). To achieve this, known data is systematized and analyzed through a new conceptual and methodological framework focusing on the geospatial analysis of art locations. Our findings point to a spatial segregation between areas with and without art by considering the geographical features. The first ones are located in seasonal areas with low to intermediate spatial connectivity and in environments providing access to high Andean spaces of high ecological productivity. Meanwhile, sites without art are distributed along the middle and upper courses of major hydrographic basins and in areas of regional spatial connectivity. These findings are integrated with previous studies in neighboring areas of the Argentine North Patagonia, which delve into the role played by rock art and high Andean spaces in the dynamics of social interaction between hunter-gatherer groups during the Late Holocene. The main interpretations of this study indicate that rock art can be found in key points of inter-valley mobility, enabling access to ecological and seasonal resources in high Andean spaces. Additionally, as a hypothesis, it is proposed that in the context of higher demographic density, rock art sites would have functioned as convergence and social organization areas for the shared use of ecological resources.
Copyright (c) 2025 Renata Gutiérrez Saitua
Digital photogrammetry as a technique for diagnosing the conservation status of stone monuments from Izapa, Chiapas, México
Diagnosing the conservation status of archaeological monuments is a fundamental task prior to undertaking any preservation action. This requires implementing appropriate and precise registration methods to identify the damage suffered by the monuments, as well as the deterioration factors that caused them. Technological advances in digital photogrammetry, with the possibility of creating three-dimensional models, have become an important tool to study the archaeological record. In this paper, we present the results of using digital photogrammetry as an auxiliary tool to diagnose the conservation status of the stone monuments from the archaeological site of Izapa. The site is a settlement of the first order in the Soconusco region (Chiapas, México) and has the largest sculptural record representative of the “Izapa style”. This sculptural style was an important piece in the development of the elites’ legitimation discourse from the Late Preclassic period (300 BC-250 A.D.) in southeastern Mesoamerica.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alejandro J. Uriarte Torres, Ivonne A. Pérez Alcántara
Facing north: archeology of Guitarra 42 (GUI42) site, Guitarra lake plateau (Santa Cruz, Argentina)
The Guitarra 42 (GUI42) archaeological site is located in the Guitarra Lake plateau, Santa Cruz Province, protected by the basaltic cliff that runs along its northern edge. The site exhibits abundant archaeological material, most notably rock art and lithic artifacts. In this study, we aim to contextualize new information within the framework of previous archaeological research conducted in the plateau. The results of our analysis highlights GUI42 as a privileged space for the production of engravings in the region, primarily associated with a high frequency of motifs. The available chronologies for the area and the similarities evidenced in the rock art r allow us to date this archaeological to the Late Holocene (last 2,500 years). Finally, the new information is included in prior discussions about settlement patterns and land use. highlighting the Guitarra Plateau in its regional context, in relation to neighboring areas such as the Asador,Aguila and Pampa del Asador Plateaux, among others.
Copyright (c) 2025 Francisco Guichon, Gisela Cassiodoro, Iván Schale , Juan Matías Dellepiane
Faunal resource exploitation in Comallo UI cave (Río Negro Province, Argentina): a new contribution to subsistence studies in northwersten Patagonia during the Late Holocene
We showcase here the zooarchaeological and taphonomic study of the Comallo U1 site, a cave located in the middle basin of the Limay River (Río Negro Province, Argentina). The faunal remains come from both the Preceramic (1440 ± 50 BP) and the Ceramic components (after 1000 BP). We determined that there was a low incidence of post depositional processes in both components. Human subsistence was based mainly on consumption of Lama guanicoe for its meat, marrow, fat and bones for toolmaking. Other species with a lower energy return (Diplodon chilensis, Rhea pennata, Hippocamelus bisulcus, Lycalopex culpaeus, Lycalopex gymnocercus, Puma concolor, Leopardus sp., Conepatus chinga, Chaetophractus villosus, Lagidium viscacia and Caviinae indet.) supplemented humans’ subsistence. Exotic taxa Ovis orientalis aries and Bos primigenius taurus were secondary for their subsistence.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ailín A. Guillermo, Fernando J. Fernández, José A. Cordero
A propositive method of documental registration in 3D modeling and digital decal: case study of archaeological sites with rock art in Camalaú, state of Paraíba, Brazil
The article demonstrates the need for digital conservation for the documentation of archaeological records in rock art in pre-colonial sites, located in the semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast. At this point, we propose a survey of the documentary record in three-dimensional modeling and digital decal of rock panels and their geoenvironmental contexts. These processes are part of methods for preserving the information generated by research in institutions that safeguard the archaeological heritage, understood as essential to access documentary results, promoting the sharing of information on digital platforms (Open Source and Open Science), with pedagogical purposes, virtual exhibitions in museums, continuous studies for archaeological science and access to the general public. As a result, it is demonstrated that digital photographic processing was essential in the observation of pictorial and conservation data, considering that the majority of the graphic corpus analyzed is in an advanced state of degradation and low visibility. In the aerial photogrammetric survey and image processing, it was possible to generate different products to assist in the analysis of graphic traces, their environmental insertions, and the dissemination of information with three-dimensional modeling.
Copyright (c) 2024 Por Carlos Xavier de Azevedo Netto, Francisco de Assis Soares de Matos y Thiago Fonseca de Souza.
A decade of Carlist wars archaeology. State of affairs, main contributions, and possible future
One of the major historical phenomena of the 19th century was the progressive implementation of the bourgeois revolution agenda. In this context of deep changes, the use of arms was commonplace, unleashing bloody and prolonged civil wars. Spain was no exception and was dragged into this global context where revolution and its reactionary forces faced each other in the battlefield. The main expressions of this conflict were the War of Independence or Peninsular War (1808-1814) and the civil wars of 1822-1823, 1833-1840, 1846-1848 and 1872-1876. The concatenation of military operations has created a rich and varied heritage to which archaeology has not been paying much attention until recently. Since the 2010s, archaeological approaches have been multiplying throughout Spain, even though most are concentrated in the Basque Country and Navarre. After a decade of research, this paper aims to present the current state of affairs of the emerging archaeology of the Carlist Wars. We begin with a general global overview of conflict archaeology in the XIX century. Next, we focus specifically on the Spanish context, particularly on the archaeology of the Carlist Wars. We describe its main features as well as some of its shortages. We end with a discussion where we stress the constraints and possibilities of this area of studies, and a series of conclusions about pending issues to be addressed in the future.
Copyright (c) 2024 Gorka Martín-Echebarria, Sergio Escribano-Ruiz, Alfredo González-Ruibal
Potential procurement sources and macroscopic and petrographic characterization of rocks at the northern Hualfin valley (Catamarca, Argentina)
This work presents, a study of lithic procurement at the northern Hualfin valley (Catamarca province), which aim is to stablish the regional base of resources available. We sought to find out if the Villa Vil River bedrock constitutes a potential source of lithic resources suitable to make knapped artefacts, as well as, grinding tools. The river is located next to two archaeological sites, whose occupations date to the Formative and the Late-Inka periods. For this, we carried out petrographic analysis at macroscopic and microscopic (thin section) scales of both, rocks collected from the riverbed and lithic artefacts. Furthermore, we took into account previous information about the lithic technology of the archaeological sites. The results allowed to identify raw materials undetermined until now. The studies also point out that several raw materials used for making tools are locally available. Additionally, we considered bibliographic information to discuss the procurement of other rock varieties, which could be allochthonous considering that its sources have not been identified in the research area, yet.
Copyright (c) 2024 Emiliano Bentivenga, Julieta Lynch, Esteban Villalba
Exploring Andean grains (bean and corn) milling through experimental culinary processing. Their input to archaeobotanical research and reference collection samples building
We present the first results of the experimental program focused on Andean grains (beans and corn) knowledge and culinary practices associated with their grinding. The designed protocol includes experiments divided into two phases, called "Trials". In "Trial 1", culinary processes such as soaking, boiling and/or roasting were carried out prior to milling. In "Trial 2", kernels and seeds were ground or crushed to obtain flours or pastes of different characteristics. The tests were carried out in controlled environments in the laboratory, following the same methodological protocols used in our archaeobotanical studies. The purpose of the latter was to avoid contamination of the samples and thus to incorporate them into our reference collection of Andean crops and traditional culinary preparations. The types of flours and paste obtained were recorded, as well as the marks and wear produced on the experimental lithic artifacts. We discriminated between the different crops processed, as well as the type of culinary processing carried out on each of them. The information gathered was systematized and incorporated into the digital databases created ad hoc for each type of record. This research is part of projects that study pre-Hispanic and traditional culinary practices associated with Andean crops in the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy). The obtained results will allow us to contribute to the knowledge of Andean food plants used as ingredients in pre-Hispanic culinary preparations, based on the macro and microscopic characteristics of the milling products.
Copyright (c) 2024 Huilen Priscila Romero, Maria Gabriela Musaubach
Pastoralism in a village landscape, Tafí Valley (Tucumán, Argentina)
This paper presents the results of the analysis of several lines of evidence related to the pastoralism of South American camelids at the sites of La Bolsa 1 and La Bolsa 2 in the Tafí Valley (Tucumán), between the 2nd century BC and 9th century AD. This case’s peculiarity lies in the almost total absence of faunal remains within the archaeological record, in a context in which pastoralism was a meaningful practice for human’s social reproduction. In this regard, based on a detailed architectural study (corral morphology and building techniques), the materiality resulting from this practice (e.g. bones, pottery statuettes, soils), and spatial analysis, we outline a number of pastoralism characteristics carried out within an agro-pastoral village. Thus, due to the development of this economic strategy, the villagers installed a way of life in which the animals and the logic involved in their pastoralism contributed to a particular construction of the landscape which integrated domestic and productive spaces.
Copyright (c) 2024 Stefania Chiavassa Arias, Valeria L. Franco Salvi