Exceptional cases of textile mineralization in archaeological metallic objects from Santiago del Estero's lowlands (Argentina)

Abstract

Here, we present and discuss the results obtained from a series of techno-morphological and compositional analyses performed on two objects from the collection of the “Emilio and Duncan Wagner” Anthropology and Natural Sciences Museum, currently deposited in the Cultural Heritage Interpretation and Conservation Centre of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. These objects are fragments of metallic bracelets that have preserved textile evidence on their surfaces, or “fibre or textile pseudomorphs”. The pieces, recovered during early 20th century archaeological collecting activity, were found in Santiago del Estero's lowlands and conceivably originate from colonial funerary contexts (post 1543 CE). Our analysis indicates that the fragments correspond to two different bracelets, and that they were made with brass, an alloy of copper and zinc that was not used in northwest Argentina in pre-Hispanic times. The associated textile fragments were made with cotton and present great technological similarities. The sum of evidence indicates that metallic objects were obtained from the Andean region through different modes of appropriation and then incorporated into local daily and funerary practices. Yet, the results of textile analysis reveal no evidence suggesting production according to Hispanic traditions. This paper provides new data on the characterization of archaeological materials from museum collections, offers novel information regarding alteration processes linked to ancient textiles and metals, and constitutes a contribution to the assessment of hypotheses on local practices and processes from Inca and colonial times within the studied region.