Aproximación al uso de recipientes cerámicos en el Pukara de Rinconada (Jujuy, Argentina) a partir del estudio de la morfología de las piezas y los microfósiles

Abstract

Presentamos nueva información acerca del uso de recipientes cerámicos en el Pukara de Rinconada durante tiempos prehispánicos tardíos, generados a partir del estudio combinado de sus morfologías y del análisis de microfósiles adheridos a ellos. Se analizaron fragmentos de cuatro sondeos realizados en estructuras habitacionales, que fueron remontados y ensamblados. La clasificación morfológica permitió reconocer formas abiertas, tales como escudillas y escudillas hondas, y cerradas, tales como cántaros y vasijas de boca ancha. Se seleccionaron 13 muestras de recipientes de distintas morfologías para raspado. Mediante protocolos de extracción múltiple de microfósiles, pudimos obtener silicofitolitos, granos de almidón y otras partículas de origen vegetal y animal. Estos microrrestos se identificaron como afines a hierbas de la vegetación local y a plantas domésticas, incluyendo maíz, cucurbitáceas, quínoa, entre otras. También se identificaron indicadores de exposición al fuego y de la presencia de humedad en algunos recipientes. Estos estudios constituyen los primeros de este tipo para nuestra área de estudio y muestran el valor de integrar distintas vías de análisis para abordar el uso de los materiales cerámicos.AbstractNew information regarding the use of ceramic vessels in the Pukara de Rinconada during late pre-Hispanic times is presented, based on the combined study of their morphologies and the analysis of adhered microfossils. Fragments from four test pits carried out in residential structures were reassembled and analyzed. Morphological classification allowed for the recognition of open shapes, such as bowls and deep bowls, and closed shapes, such as pitchers and wide-mouthed vessels. Thirteen samples of different morphologies were selected for residue analysis. Using multiple microfossil extraction protocols, we successfully recovered silicophytoliths, starches, and other plant and animal particles. These microremains were identified as related to local vegetation herbs and domestic plants, including corn, cucurbits, quinoa, among others. Furthermore, indicators of fire exposure and the presence of moisture were also identified in some vessels. These are the first studies of this type for the Pukara de Rinconada, demonstrating the value of integrating different analytical approaches to understand the use of ceramic materials.New information regarding the use of ceramic vessels in the Pukara de Rinconada during late pre-Hispanic times is presented, based on the combined study of their morphologies and the analysis of adhered microfossils. Fragments from four test pits carried out in residential structures were reassembled and analyzed. Morphological classification allowed for the recognition of open shapes, such as bowls and deep bowls, and closed shapes, such as pitchers and wide-mouthed vessels. Thirteen samples of different morphologies were selected for residue analysis. Using multiple microfossil extraction protocols, we successfully recovered silicophytoliths, starches, and other plant and animal particles. These microremains were identified as related to local vegetation herbs and domestic plants, including corn, cucurbits, quinoa, among others. Furthermore, indicators of fire exposure and the presence of moisture were also identified in some vessels. These are the first studies of this type for the Pukara de Rinconada, demonstrating the value of integrating different analytical approaches to understand the use of ceramic materials.