Papers by Alejandro Ferrari
Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 2021
Indigenous peoples of the Andes have shared their territories with a variety of animated and sacr... more Indigenous peoples of the Andes have shared their territories with a variety of animated and sacred non-human entities, with whom they have maintained complex interactions. Because these entities are providers of the vital elements that human communities need to guarantee their survival and reproduction, people must treat them with respect and affection. This entails reattributing with rituals, offerings, and attention, the goods and materials these entities supply them. Denial and neglect make these entities sad and angry, and willing to harm people in different ways. In this paper, we discuss how Diaguita-Kallchakí communities from the North Calchaquí Valley (Argentina) interacted with the sacred high-altitude territory of Nevado de Cachi during pre-Hispanic times, with the wak'as that dwelled in it, and how this interaction was completely transformed once the Inkas conquered and settled in the region around CE 1400/1450. We show that the Inkas not only reorganized pilgrimage and ritual activities in this area, but they also intentionally marked their presence in order to represent themselves as superior entities capable of dealing, without risk, with non-human forces.
Revista Chilena de Antropología, 2020
En este artículo discutiremos las prácticas de comensalidad diaguita e inca en torno a la platafo... more En este artículo discutiremos las prácticas de comensalidad diaguita e inca en torno a la plataforma ushnu de Guitián (valle Calchaquí norte, Salta, Argentina). Las excavaciones que llevamos adelante en el interior de la plataforma nos permitieron identificar, recuperar y analizar variados rasgos y depósitos. Daremos cuenta de la estratigrafía, materiales, y contextos arqueológicos reconocidos durante las excavaciones prestando especial atención a la evidencia arqueobotánica. Argumentaremos que, durante las ceremonias desarrolladas en la plaza y en torno al ushnu, los Incas intentaron reorganizar las interacciones locales con una poderosa entidad no humana del paisaje local (cerro Meléndez). Sin embargo, esta reorganización no implicó cambios radicales en el modo y en aquello que los invitados locales consideraban adecuado ofrendar. Por el contrario, existen claras continuidades en la comensalidad diaguita antes y durante la ocupación inca.
In this article, we will discuss diaguita and inca commensality practices related to the ushnu platform of Guitián, an archaeological site located in the Northern Calchaquí Valley (Salta, Argentina). The excavations that we conducted inside the platform allowed us to identify, recover and analyse several features and deposits. We will give an account of the stratigraphy, materials, and archaeological contexts recognized during the excavations, paying special attention to the archaeobotanical evidence. We will argue that during the ceremonies held in the plaza and around ushnu, the Incas attempted to reorganize the local interactions with a powerful non-human entity of the local landscape (cerro Meléndez). However, this reorganization did not entail radical changes regarding what local guests considered appropriate to offer. On the contrary, there are clear continuities in diaguita commensality practices before and during the inca occupation.
Revista Española de Antropología Americana, 2017
Resumen. En este trabajo discutimos el modo en que los inkas utilizaron la arquitectura de sus as... more Resumen. En este trabajo discutimos el modo en que los inkas utilizaron la arquitectura de sus asenta-mientos y la topografía circundante para manipular las experiencias somáticas de quienes participaban en eventos público-ceremoniales. Para ello discutimos la disposición espacial y material de cuatro sitios localizados en el valle Calchaquí Norte (provincia de Salta, Argentina); dos sitios de altura ubicados en la zona de los Nevados de Cachi y dos asentamientos en las áreas septentrional y meridional de esta sec-ción del valle. Nos concentraremos tanto en las estructuras y rasgos presentes en estos cuatro sitios así como en las movilidades y vistas incentivadas por su configuración espacial. Haremos especial énfasis en la accesibilidad visual y física a los espacios de congregación, en las vistas promovidas e inhibidas por su arquitectura, y en la presencia de estructuras y rasgos íntimamente relacionados al ceremonia-lismo andino como ser plataformas, canales, wank'as, y monolitos. Argumentaremos que las plazas y plataformas de estos asentamientos no solo fomentaban una clara distinción entre representantes del Tawantinsuyu y representantes locales, sino que además dejaban en claro la competencia distintiva y la posición privilegiada que tenían los primeros a la hora de comunicarse con ciertas entidades no humanas del paisaje andino.
Abstract. This paper discusses how the Inkas used the architecture and the surrounding topography of their settlements to manipulate peoples`peoples`somatic experiences during public ceremonial events. Therefore , we discuss the material and spatial arrangements of four Inka settlements located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Salta Province, Argentina); two high altitude settlements located in the Nevados de Cachi area and two sites located in the northern and southern areas of this portion of the valley. We will focus on the movements and views encouraged by the location and spatial configuration of certain buildings and traits within these sites. We will emphasize the visual and physical accessibility of congregation spaces, the sights offered by their architecture and layout design, and the presence of other devices intimately related with Andean ceremonialism such as platforms, channels, wank'as, and monoliths. We will argue that the Inkas not only sought to clearly differentiate themselves from the locals, but also to make clear their distinctive proficiency and privileged position to communicate with certain non-human entities of the Andean landscape.
Estudios Atacameños, 2016
Resumen En este artículo presentaré ciertas características del sitio arqueológico La Paya (SSalC... more Resumen En este artículo presentaré ciertas características del sitio arqueológico La Paya (SSalCac 1), ubicado en el Noroeste Argentino; más precisa-mente en el Valle Calchaquí Norte. Se trata de un asentamiento que presenta ocupaciones del Período Intermedio Tardío e intervenciones arquitectónicas correspondientes al Período Inka. Éstas consisten en una serie de remodelaciones entre las que se incluyó la construc-ción de una estructura de neta filiación Inka conocida como Casa Morada, cuyas características arquitectónicas y localización han sido conceptualizadas como intrusivas respecto de la arquitectura local. A continuación, repasaré aquellas investigaciones y presentaré nuevos datos para enriquecer el entendimiento de estas intervenciones. Ar-gumentaré que la intervención Inka involucró más estructuras que las que fueron previamente señaladas, trastocando así el modo de habitar local, demarcando la diferencia entre colonizadores y colonizados, y cristalizando nuevos segmentos dentro de la población local. Palabras clave: Período Intermedio Tardío-Período Inka-Noroeste Argentino-Arquitectura-Dominio Inka
Abstract In this paper, I will present certain characteristics of an archaeological site known as La Paya (SSalCac 1), located in northwest Argentina; more precisely in the North Calchaquí Valley. It features occupancies during the Late Intermediate Period and architectonical interventions belonging to the Inka Period. The latter consist of a series of remodelations, including the construction of an Inka structure known as Casa Morada, whose architectural properties have been conceptualized as intrusive regarding local layouts and construction techniques. Below, I summarize previous investigations and introduce new data to enrich our understanding of these interventions. I will argue that imperial interventions involved more structures than those previously reported, disrupting the local way of dwelling, demarcating the difference between colonizers and the colonized, and crystallizing new segments within the local population.
Time and Mind, 2017
Throughout history, empires have deployed a vast array of
strategies to promote their worldview a... more Throughout history, empires have deployed a vast array of
strategies to promote their worldview and to control the
colonized. Amongst non-violent ones, hosting public ceremonies
to show off an empire’s capabilities and to enact
and reinforce new desired relations and identities, seemed
to be especially effective. This article presents new data and
interpretations on how the Inkas employed ritual architecture
to manipulate the somatic experiences of the colonized.
Specifically, we analyze the public space of an Inka
settlement located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Argentina)
in order to show how the Inkas used architecture and spatial
design to impose certain sensorial modalities and to manage
their sequential stimulus and intensity. In an attempt to
overcome a reigning visual paradigm among this line of
inquiry, we present an analysis that combines visual and
acoustical data collected on site, with three-dimensional
modeling of terrain, architecture, and sound propagation.
Results indicate that through a careful layout design that
involved the management of visual and acoustic permeability,
the Inkas not only organized groups and practices, but
also created different experiences for different people.
Arqueología, 2019
Las aproximaciones arqueológicas a los paisajes y lugares se han concentrado mayoritariamente en ... more Las aproximaciones arqueológicas a los paisajes y lugares se han concentrado mayoritariamente en la permeabilidad visual de los espacios, postergando otras modalidades sensoriales. Esta tendencia se ha revertido gradualmente con aportes de diversas disciplinas como la geografía, la proxémica, la sociología, la ingeniería acústica y la arqueología. En este trabajo presentamos el modo en que buscamos
combinar estudios tradicionales de visibilidad con simulaciones acústicas realizadas partiendo de modelos tridimensionales. A partir de un caso de estudio sobre el sitio Las Pailas (valle Calchaquí norte, Provincia de Salta, Argentina), exploramos dos escenarios hipotéticos
que combinan análisis de visibilidad con simulaciones acústicas. Los resultados, aunque preliminares, indican que la incorporación de análisis de dispersión sonora puede resultar útil a la hora evaluar la permeabilidad de recintos domésticos y espacios públicos. Además, nos permitieron identificar algunas limitaciones y señalar futuras direcciones
Ñawpa Pacha Journal of Andean Archaeology, 2018
This work presents new results of archaeological research carried out in a mountain massif known ... more This work presents new results of archaeological research carried out in a mountain massif known as Nevado de Cachi
(Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020
masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological
settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements
and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the
manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements
and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.
En este trabajo se presentan nuevas investigaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta Argentina. Se
tratarán fundamentalmente los datos obtenidos en la plataforma ceremonial Inka ubicado en del Cerro Meléndez
(6020 msnm). Esta información se integra con la recabada en ese mismo cordón montañoso en los sitios Uña
Tambo y El Apunao ubicados en sus faldeos orientales. Así, se destaca la existencia de un complejo sistema de asentamientos
y lugares sagrados Inkas en el Nevado de Cachi. Una significativa infraestructura vinculada al culto y al peregrinaje
que articuló la conquista del Valle Calchaquí Norte por parte del Tawantinsuyu.
Ñawpa Pacha. Journal of Andean Archaeology, 2018
This work presents new results of archaeological research carried out in a mountain massif known ... more This work presents new results of archaeological research carried out in a mountain massif known as Nevado de Cachi
(Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020
masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological
settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements
and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the
manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements
and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.
En este trabajo se presentan nuevas investigaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta Argentina. Se
tratarán fundamentalmente los datos obtenidos en la plataforma ceremonial Inka ubicada en el Cerro Meléndez
(6020 msnm). Esta información se integra con la recabada en ese mismo cordón montañoso en los sitios Uña
Tambo y El Apunao ubicados en sus faldeos orientales. Así, se destaca la existencia de un complejo sistema de asentamientos
y lugares sagrados Inkas en el Nevado de Cachi. Una significativa infraestructura vinculada al culto y al peregrinaje
que articuló la conquista del Valle Calchaquí Norte por parte del Tawantinsuyu.
Este artículo presenta nuevos datos e interpretaciones respecto del modo en que los Inkas utiliza... more Este artículo presenta nuevos datos e interpretaciones respecto del modo en que los Inkas utilizaron la arquitectura para manipular las experiencias somáticas de las comunidades que habitaban el valle Calchaquí Norte (Salta, Argentina) a partir del control de su participación en espacios ritualizados. En esta línea, nos focalizaremos en las experiencias disímiles que estos espacios promovieron, ya sea a partir del estímulo de ciertas modalidades sensoriales sobre otras o mediante la secuenciación e intensidad con las que ellas intervinieron. Recientemente, y en respuesta al ocularcentrismo predominante en esta clase de investigaciones, se ha planteado la necesidad de integrar sentidos adicionales a la vista y avanzar hacia paisajes sonoros. Este trabajo expone la permeabilidad visual y las propiedades acústicas de la plaza de un pequeño asentamiento predominantemente Inka a partir de ensayos experimentales in situ y el modelado tridimensional de la arquitectura y de la dispersión de vectores de sonido. Propondremos que una cuidadosa planificación destinada a espacializar grupos y prácticas no se circunscribió a habilitar e inhibir selectivamente la accesibilidad visual a la plaza, sino que además utilizó la accesibilidad auditiva para crear diferentes experiencias entre sus visitantes. Palabras claves: conquista Inka, espacialidad, arquitectura, paisajes sonoros. This article presents new data and interpretations on how Inka representatives utilized the architecture of ritualized spaces to manipulate local communities' somatic experiences. In an attempt to overcome the prevailing ocularcentrism among this line of inquiry, it has been suggested that additional senses should be considered, and some scholars have begun to advance towards the study of ancient soundscapes. This article will focus on the plaza of an Inka settlement located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Salta, Argentina) paying specific attention to how it privileged certain sensorial modalities and managed their sequential stimulus and intensity. It article presents an analysis that combines on-field visual and acoustical permeability data generation, with three-dimensional models of architecture, terrain, and sound propagation. Results indicate that a careful layout design not only spatialized groups and practices, but also created different experiences by promoting disparate visual and acoustic stimulations upon approaching and entering the plaza.
Journal of Skyscape Archaeology, 2016
In this paper, we present results of astronomical and landscape analysis at four Inca sites locat... more In this paper, we present results of astronomical and landscape analysis at four Inca sites located in the Nevados de Cachi area, North Calchaquí Valley, Salta Province, Argentina. Selection criteria took into consideration the existence of certain traits of paramount importance amongst Inca architecture, such as ushnu platforms, gnomons and a particularly interesting petroglyph located in a high-altitude sanctuary. Results show that the location and spatial layout of certain Inca settlements, as well as certain structures within, were designed and located based on astronomical observation patterns centred on solstices, equinoxes and lunar standstills.
Chungara, Revista de Antropología Chilena , 2017
Este artículo presenta nuevos datos e interpretaciones respecto del modo en que los Inkas utiliza... more Este artículo presenta nuevos datos e interpretaciones respecto del modo en que los Inkas utilizaron la arquitectura para manipular las experiencias somáticas de las comunidades que habitaban el valle Calchaquí Norte (Salta, Argentina) a partir del control de su participación en espacios ritualizados. En esta línea, nos focalizaremos en las experiencias disímiles que estos espacios promovieron, ya sea a partir del estímulo de ciertas modalidades sensoriales sobre otras o mediante la secuenciación e intensidad con las que ellas intervinieron. Recientemente, y en respuesta al ocularcentrismo predominante en esta clase de investigaciones, se ha planteado la necesidad de integrar sentidos adicionales a la vista y avanzar hacia paisajes sonoros. Este trabajo expone la permeabilidad visual y las propiedades acústicas de la plaza de un pequeño asentamiento predominantemente Inka a partir de ensayos experimentales in situ y el modelado tridimensional de la arquitectura y de la dispersión de vectores de sonido. Propondremos que una cuidadosa planificación destinada a espacializar grupos y prácticas no se circunscribió a habilitar e inhibir selectivamente la accesibilidad visual a la plaza, sino que además utilizó la accesibilidad auditiva para crear diferentes experiencias entre sus visitantes. Palabras claves: conquista Inka, espacialidad, arquitectura, paisajes sonoros. This article presents new data and interpretations on how Inka representatives utilized the architecture of ritualized spaces to manipulate local communities' somatic experiences. In an attempt to overcome the prevailing ocularcentrism among this line of inquiry, it has been suggested that additional senses should be considered, and some scholars have begun to advance towards the study of ancient soundscapes. This article will focus on the plaza of an Inka settlement located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Salta, Argentina) paying specific attention to how it privileged certain sensorial modalities and managed their sequential stimulus and intensity. It article presents an analysis that combines on-field visual and acoustical permeability data generation, with three-dimensional models of architecture, terrain, and sound propagation. Results indicate that a careful layout design not only spatialized groups and practices, but also created different experiences by promoting disparate visual and acoustic stimulations upon approaching and entering the plaza.
En este trabajo presentamos una primera aproximación al sitio arqueológico denominado Rincón de l... more En este trabajo presentamos una primera aproximación al sitio arqueológico denominado Rincón de las Llamas (RDL1) situado en el valle Calchaquí norte, provincia de Salta, Argentina. El sitio, localizado en la cima de una colina en la cercanía del complejo inka de Cortaderas, es un afloramiento rocoso en donde se hallaron 40 rocas grabadas con representaciones figurativas y abstrac- tas. Relevamos el afloramiento y analizamos los motivos presentes en él desde un punto de vista compositivo, representacional y espacial, a fin de establecer su posible adscripción cultural y temporal.
In this detailed study of fifteenth-century settlements in Argentina, the authors show how the In... more In this detailed study of fifteenth-century settlements in Argentina, the authors show how the Inka did not just use force, production and ritual to subdue the indigenous population. The conquerors' strategy included the reordering of settlement plans, routeways and landscape, class separation and even the imposition of a rigorous discipline on the indigenous vision, controlling what could be seen looking out or looking in. The material readings made in these South American examples have much to offer to archaeologists working in colonial periods elsewhere.
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Papers by Alejandro Ferrari
In this article, we will discuss diaguita and inca commensality practices related to the ushnu platform of Guitián, an archaeological site located in the Northern Calchaquí Valley (Salta, Argentina). The excavations that we conducted inside the platform allowed us to identify, recover and analyse several features and deposits. We will give an account of the stratigraphy, materials, and archaeological contexts recognized during the excavations, paying special attention to the archaeobotanical evidence. We will argue that during the ceremonies held in the plaza and around ushnu, the Incas attempted to reorganize the local interactions with a powerful non-human entity of the local landscape (cerro Meléndez). However, this reorganization did not entail radical changes regarding what local guests considered appropriate to offer. On the contrary, there are clear continuities in diaguita commensality practices before and during the inca occupation.
Abstract. This paper discusses how the Inkas used the architecture and the surrounding topography of their settlements to manipulate peoples`peoples`somatic experiences during public ceremonial events. Therefore , we discuss the material and spatial arrangements of four Inka settlements located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Salta Province, Argentina); two high altitude settlements located in the Nevados de Cachi area and two sites located in the northern and southern areas of this portion of the valley. We will focus on the movements and views encouraged by the location and spatial configuration of certain buildings and traits within these sites. We will emphasize the visual and physical accessibility of congregation spaces, the sights offered by their architecture and layout design, and the presence of other devices intimately related with Andean ceremonialism such as platforms, channels, wank'as, and monoliths. We will argue that the Inkas not only sought to clearly differentiate themselves from the locals, but also to make clear their distinctive proficiency and privileged position to communicate with certain non-human entities of the Andean landscape.
Abstract In this paper, I will present certain characteristics of an archaeological site known as La Paya (SSalCac 1), located in northwest Argentina; more precisely in the North Calchaquí Valley. It features occupancies during the Late Intermediate Period and architectonical interventions belonging to the Inka Period. The latter consist of a series of remodelations, including the construction of an Inka structure known as Casa Morada, whose architectural properties have been conceptualized as intrusive regarding local layouts and construction techniques. Below, I summarize previous investigations and introduce new data to enrich our understanding of these interventions. I will argue that imperial interventions involved more structures than those previously reported, disrupting the local way of dwelling, demarcating the difference between colonizers and the colonized, and crystallizing new segments within the local population.
strategies to promote their worldview and to control the
colonized. Amongst non-violent ones, hosting public ceremonies
to show off an empire’s capabilities and to enact
and reinforce new desired relations and identities, seemed
to be especially effective. This article presents new data and
interpretations on how the Inkas employed ritual architecture
to manipulate the somatic experiences of the colonized.
Specifically, we analyze the public space of an Inka
settlement located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Argentina)
in order to show how the Inkas used architecture and spatial
design to impose certain sensorial modalities and to manage
their sequential stimulus and intensity. In an attempt to
overcome a reigning visual paradigm among this line of
inquiry, we present an analysis that combines visual and
acoustical data collected on site, with three-dimensional
modeling of terrain, architecture, and sound propagation.
Results indicate that through a careful layout design that
involved the management of visual and acoustic permeability,
the Inkas not only organized groups and practices, but
also created different experiences for different people.
combinar estudios tradicionales de visibilidad con simulaciones acústicas realizadas partiendo de modelos tridimensionales. A partir de un caso de estudio sobre el sitio Las Pailas (valle Calchaquí norte, Provincia de Salta, Argentina), exploramos dos escenarios hipotéticos
que combinan análisis de visibilidad con simulaciones acústicas. Los resultados, aunque preliminares, indican que la incorporación de análisis de dispersión sonora puede resultar útil a la hora evaluar la permeabilidad de recintos domésticos y espacios públicos. Además, nos permitieron identificar algunas limitaciones y señalar futuras direcciones
(Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020
masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological
settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements
and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the
manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements
and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.
En este trabajo se presentan nuevas investigaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta Argentina. Se
tratarán fundamentalmente los datos obtenidos en la plataforma ceremonial Inka ubicado en del Cerro Meléndez
(6020 msnm). Esta información se integra con la recabada en ese mismo cordón montañoso en los sitios Uña
Tambo y El Apunao ubicados en sus faldeos orientales. Así, se destaca la existencia de un complejo sistema de asentamientos
y lugares sagrados Inkas en el Nevado de Cachi. Una significativa infraestructura vinculada al culto y al peregrinaje
que articuló la conquista del Valle Calchaquí Norte por parte del Tawantinsuyu.
(Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020
masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological
settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements
and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the
manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements
and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.
En este trabajo se presentan nuevas investigaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta Argentina. Se
tratarán fundamentalmente los datos obtenidos en la plataforma ceremonial Inka ubicada en el Cerro Meléndez
(6020 msnm). Esta información se integra con la recabada en ese mismo cordón montañoso en los sitios Uña
Tambo y El Apunao ubicados en sus faldeos orientales. Así, se destaca la existencia de un complejo sistema de asentamientos
y lugares sagrados Inkas en el Nevado de Cachi. Una significativa infraestructura vinculada al culto y al peregrinaje
que articuló la conquista del Valle Calchaquí Norte por parte del Tawantinsuyu.
In this article, we will discuss diaguita and inca commensality practices related to the ushnu platform of Guitián, an archaeological site located in the Northern Calchaquí Valley (Salta, Argentina). The excavations that we conducted inside the platform allowed us to identify, recover and analyse several features and deposits. We will give an account of the stratigraphy, materials, and archaeological contexts recognized during the excavations, paying special attention to the archaeobotanical evidence. We will argue that during the ceremonies held in the plaza and around ushnu, the Incas attempted to reorganize the local interactions with a powerful non-human entity of the local landscape (cerro Meléndez). However, this reorganization did not entail radical changes regarding what local guests considered appropriate to offer. On the contrary, there are clear continuities in diaguita commensality practices before and during the inca occupation.
Abstract. This paper discusses how the Inkas used the architecture and the surrounding topography of their settlements to manipulate peoples`peoples`somatic experiences during public ceremonial events. Therefore , we discuss the material and spatial arrangements of four Inka settlements located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Salta Province, Argentina); two high altitude settlements located in the Nevados de Cachi area and two sites located in the northern and southern areas of this portion of the valley. We will focus on the movements and views encouraged by the location and spatial configuration of certain buildings and traits within these sites. We will emphasize the visual and physical accessibility of congregation spaces, the sights offered by their architecture and layout design, and the presence of other devices intimately related with Andean ceremonialism such as platforms, channels, wank'as, and monoliths. We will argue that the Inkas not only sought to clearly differentiate themselves from the locals, but also to make clear their distinctive proficiency and privileged position to communicate with certain non-human entities of the Andean landscape.
Abstract In this paper, I will present certain characteristics of an archaeological site known as La Paya (SSalCac 1), located in northwest Argentina; more precisely in the North Calchaquí Valley. It features occupancies during the Late Intermediate Period and architectonical interventions belonging to the Inka Period. The latter consist of a series of remodelations, including the construction of an Inka structure known as Casa Morada, whose architectural properties have been conceptualized as intrusive regarding local layouts and construction techniques. Below, I summarize previous investigations and introduce new data to enrich our understanding of these interventions. I will argue that imperial interventions involved more structures than those previously reported, disrupting the local way of dwelling, demarcating the difference between colonizers and the colonized, and crystallizing new segments within the local population.
strategies to promote their worldview and to control the
colonized. Amongst non-violent ones, hosting public ceremonies
to show off an empire’s capabilities and to enact
and reinforce new desired relations and identities, seemed
to be especially effective. This article presents new data and
interpretations on how the Inkas employed ritual architecture
to manipulate the somatic experiences of the colonized.
Specifically, we analyze the public space of an Inka
settlement located in the North Calchaquí Valley (Argentina)
in order to show how the Inkas used architecture and spatial
design to impose certain sensorial modalities and to manage
their sequential stimulus and intensity. In an attempt to
overcome a reigning visual paradigm among this line of
inquiry, we present an analysis that combines visual and
acoustical data collected on site, with three-dimensional
modeling of terrain, architecture, and sound propagation.
Results indicate that through a careful layout design that
involved the management of visual and acoustic permeability,
the Inkas not only organized groups and practices, but
also created different experiences for different people.
combinar estudios tradicionales de visibilidad con simulaciones acústicas realizadas partiendo de modelos tridimensionales. A partir de un caso de estudio sobre el sitio Las Pailas (valle Calchaquí norte, Provincia de Salta, Argentina), exploramos dos escenarios hipotéticos
que combinan análisis de visibilidad con simulaciones acústicas. Los resultados, aunque preliminares, indican que la incorporación de análisis de dispersión sonora puede resultar útil a la hora evaluar la permeabilidad de recintos domésticos y espacios públicos. Además, nos permitieron identificar algunas limitaciones y señalar futuras direcciones
(Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020
masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological
settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements
and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the
manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements
and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.
En este trabajo se presentan nuevas investigaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta Argentina. Se
tratarán fundamentalmente los datos obtenidos en la plataforma ceremonial Inka ubicado en del Cerro Meléndez
(6020 msnm). Esta información se integra con la recabada en ese mismo cordón montañoso en los sitios Uña
Tambo y El Apunao ubicados en sus faldeos orientales. Así, se destaca la existencia de un complejo sistema de asentamientos
y lugares sagrados Inkas en el Nevado de Cachi. Una significativa infraestructura vinculada al culto y al peregrinaje
que articuló la conquista del Valle Calchaquí Norte por parte del Tawantinsuyu.
(Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020
masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological
settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements
and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the
manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements
and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.
En este trabajo se presentan nuevas investigaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta Argentina. Se
tratarán fundamentalmente los datos obtenidos en la plataforma ceremonial Inka ubicada en el Cerro Meléndez
(6020 msnm). Esta información se integra con la recabada en ese mismo cordón montañoso en los sitios Uña
Tambo y El Apunao ubicados en sus faldeos orientales. Así, se destaca la existencia de un complejo sistema de asentamientos
y lugares sagrados Inkas en el Nevado de Cachi. Una significativa infraestructura vinculada al culto y al peregrinaje
que articuló la conquista del Valle Calchaquí Norte por parte del Tawantinsuyu.