Palo Blanco: a village in Late and Inka landscapes in Hualfín Valley (Catamarca, Argentina)

Abstract

In this article we analyze archaeological data from Palo Blanco, located in the center of the Hualfín Valley (Dept. of Belén, Catamarca, Argentina) to discuss how a relational concept of landscape provides significant tools to reconstruct links between a local village and different landscapes configured during Late and Inka times (c. 1400–1500 ad). Also, we present how this approach allows us to develop an alternative scheme to change interpretations of the past in the region. Based on the analysis of spatial, social and temporal dimensions, we analyze archaeological evidence focusing on placement, building, flow of bodies, spatial perception, relationships between people and material culture, and chronology. Finally, we consider Palo Blanco as a typical local defensive village during late pre-Inka times, which probably changed its role during Inka conquest.