Remodelando el formativo: aportes para una discusión de los procesos locales en las comunidades agropastoriles tempranas de Antofagasta de la Sierra (Catamarca, Argentina)

Abstract

Twenty years have passed since the interrelationship between environmental variables and agro-pastoral communities in the Antofagasta de la Sierra basin (Catamarca) was first discussed in an integrated manner and a model proposed. This came to be known as the “Dynamic-Sedentism Model” or as a new way to understand the “Regional Formative”. Over those twenty years, new research has greatly enriched the archaeological knowledge and enhanced our understanding of the puna landscape. This paper discusses relevant aspects of the accepted model in light of new evidence and an expanded data-set of radiocarbon-age determinations based on local processes occurring during the first millennium (A.D.). We discuss evidence associated with the continuity of certain practices, such as funerary rituals and the provision of distant resources; the persistent use of the landscape; relationships established with Valliserrana and lowland areas populations; the important role played by high yield environmental areas; and the integration of new analytical methods that contribute to the discussion of pastoralist mobility patterns.