Abstract

NAZAR, Domingo Carlos; DE LA FUENTE, Guillermo Adrián  and  DULOUT, Luis Noel. (Searching for the symbolic dimensions of la tunita, Sierra De Ancasti, Catamarca, Argentina). Cuad. Fac. Humanid. Cienc. Soc., Univ. Nac. Jujuy [online]. 2014, n.45, pp.69-93. ISSN 1668-8104.

            In this paper we will analyse the material, symbolic, and subjective dimensions of a very particular space geographically located in Sierra de Ancasti (Province of Catamarca, in the north western of Argentina) known as La Tunita. We argue that several and unique natural and spatial attributes in La Tunita favoured its incorporation to the social dynamic during the Regional Period of Integration (ca. s. III D.C. - s. XI / XII). La Tunita distinguished itself for the existence of an important array of rock art manifestations which in turn materialize the Aguada culture cosmovision. This place would have played an important role in influencing significantly at a symbolic-ideological level, allowing arranging the natural environment and transforming it into a social space of great significance in the macro regional context.  Despite of the prevalence of Aguada imprint, evidence suggests that other social groups in the course of history could have operated from a similar logic.  We assume that some pictures of La Tunita are related to the conflicts and social tensions that seem to have occurred in times of Aguada. In this way, we pose that the images and some rituals have become important allies in the exercise of control and power within society to assert against other groups when social interaction in a vast territory should have required the adoption of practices which reinforce some ideological aspects in certain places.

Keywords : Aguada; Rock Art; Conflict; Symbolic Dimension; Landscape.

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