In this work we present the results of a comprehensive analysis of the oldest funerary context known in Quebrada de Los Corrales, which is located at an average altitude of 3,100 m asl in the northern sector of the Aconquija mountain system, in the west of the province of Tucumán, Argentina. This mortuary context was uncovered at the Taller Puesto Viejo 1 site (3,154 m asl), and was dated between ca. 3,800-3,500 years b.p. This is a highly unusual type of funerary practice for this area and time, representing a human cremation associated with a diverse set of accompanying elements, including ornamental objects, a bone artifact, and quinoa and maize seeds. Our main objective is oriented towards evaluating the ritual significance of the act of cremation, and the accompanying material associated with human remains. Our results suggest a funerary practice conducted by hunter-gatherer groups within the framework of a process of transition that subsequently led to the full establishment of a herding and agricultural production model towards the first millennium of the Christian Era.
Keywords:
funeral practices, cremation, Taller Puesto Viejo 1, El Infiernillo
Martínez, J. G., Oliszewski, N., Arreguez, G. A., Backwell, L. R., Luna, L. H., Molar, R., & Naharro, M. E. (2020). Funeral practices and rituality in Quebrada de Los Corrales, Tucumán-Argentina (3.800-3.500 b.p.). Revista Chilena De Antropología, (42), 290–318. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-1472.2020.60494
