Interethnic Conflicts in the Highlands of Northwestern Argentina During the Late Intermediate Period: A Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to present novel interpretations regarding theinterethnic conflicts that characterized the Late Intermediate Period in most of the Andean Area. In particular, we analyzed two regions within the Province of Jujuy, Northern Argentina: The Puna, an extensive highland with wide endorheic basins, and Quebrada de Humahuaca, a long and narrow valley on its eastern border. We discuss the differential presence of strategic and defensive settlements, pucaras, in both areas and the role played at a regional scale by the archaeological site of Pueblo Viejo de Tucute. We used an independent indicator, rock art depicting conflict scenes, and analyzed the spatial location and characteristics of these images. We propose that, although Pueblo Viejo de Tucute does not feature any of the typical traits of the pucaras in the region, it was indeed a settlement with clear defensive purposes. Furthermore, we hypothesize that some of the human figures identified in the rock artpanels located in the geographical and ecological boundary between Puna andQuebrada could be referring to the ancient inhabitants of this archaeological site.