Combined use of different lines of evidence for the analysis of polychrome archaeological ceramics of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina.

Summary

Polychrome archaeological ceramics called "vírgulas or comas" hold a comprehensive but an unequal space distribution. They are found in limited quantities in achaelogical sites in regions as North and Central Puna, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy and Northeast areas of Argentina.These ceramics vessels had been used in both regions since 900 AD until the Spanish post-colony. Then, we come to the conclusion about the movement of these ceramics pieces with a significant use and a ritual or ceremonial consumption between borders.

Thus, the combined use of different lines of evidence such as: actualistic studies, archaeometric techniques- paste analysis, ceramics petrography, Raman spectroscopy, and alike - have been enlightening to classify shards and ceramics.

In this current work and on-going research, technological and stylistic aspects have been considered to be analysed throughout diverse lines of evidence which have let us stand closer to a possible identification of traditional workmanship that might have stemmed from a passive expression of identity and so, have intended to communicate it. It was considered depicted shapes and sizes, particular surface finishes, design elements represented by some of these fragments (vírgulas, recoating, use of hydroxyapatite), similarities in pastes with non-plastic white inclusions and petrographic differences, among others.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage