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Agricultural landuse and landscapes in the Argentinean Andes

María Korstanje (Instituto de Arqueología y MuseoFac. de Ciencias Naturales- ISES (UNT-CONICET) )
Patricia Cuenya (Instituto de Arqueología y Museo. Catedra de Pedología. Fac. de Ciencias Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán)
Verónica Williams (Instituto de Arqueología. Facultad Filosofía y Letras. Universidad de Buenos Aires)

Abstract

Based on field and soils data we discuss some new trends in agricultural archaeological studies from an interdisciplinary perspective that includes archaeology, soil sciences and paleoethnobotany. We present a case study in Calchaquí valley (northwestern Argentina) where the archaeological landscape is dominated by vast agricultural areas, with structures for the control of water and erosion, irrigation canals, terraces and fields. During 900-1400 AD this land was 'guarded' by fortified sites, known as pukaras. Since the presence of the Inca in the region is reflected in sites placed away from the former local settlements, we expect a different pattern in agricultural landscapes too. It is very likely that production was maximized with the introduction of new agricultural facilities, other construction techniques and the enlargement of the surface area. An absolute chronology of agricultural facilities is also presented to distinguish the Incaic prevalence of the previous agricultural structure.