Abstract

IBACACHE D, Sebastián; CANTARUTTI R, Gabriel; BERENGUER R, José  and  SALAZAR S, Diego. Adoratorios de altura y dominación incaica en el Alto Loa, norte de Chile. Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2016, vol.17, n.2, pp.173-186. ISSN 1850-373X.

Mountain shrines are one of the most important expressions of Inca domination across the Collasuyu related to the ideological manipulation of local religious beliefs and practices. Recent archaeological surveys conducted on the Colorado, Palpana, and Miño mountains in the Alto Loa region (Antofagasta Region, Chile) have proved the existence of high-altitude shrines, not previously documented on the latter two. In this article descriptions of the finds are presented and, building on the data recovered, topics related to their chronology, the logistics of climbing, and the types of activities conducted at the summits are discussed. In order to explain the role of these shrines within the context of the Inca control of the region, possible relationships between mountain worship and the occupation of major Inca facilities associated with state mining-metallurgical operations are examined.

Keywords : Inca; Mountain shrines; Mining; North of Chile.

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