First identification of plant remains in earthen architecture of Argentina: constructive and domestic archaeological data from early colonial contexts (16th and 17th centuries)

Abstract

This paper analyses, from an archaeological and ethnobotanical perspective, the botanical remains recovered from earthen architecture of Ibatín and Esteco I/II sites, ruins of the first cities established and depopulated in North-western Argentina along the Spanish advance during the 16th and 17th centuries. Sampling procedure, processing of the sediments and identification of botanical macro and microremains, predominantly opal silica phytoliths, were carried out on the basis of standard methodology to identify botanical remains. Diatoms and microcharcoals were also recorded. Additionally, ethnobotanical research was conducted in order to obtain data from local inhabitants related to traditional earth construction techniques and vegetable fibres used in the process. The integration of the results obtained from both approaches allowed us to generate some proposals regarding the techniques for obtaining and using the plants used in the construction activity and associated practices in the region during the colonial period.