Abstract

ACOSTA, Gustavo G.; DE LA FUENTE, Guillermo A.  and  NAZAR, Domingo C.. Technological implications of the use of gypsum and lime in the rock art of La Tunita (Ancasti department, Catamarca province): contributions through experimentation with pigment mixtures. Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.1, pp.25-44.  Epub June 01, 2021. ISSN 1850-373X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.37176/iea.22.1.2021.55.

This paper presents experimental research on pigment mixtures from La Sixtina shelter and El Hornero cave rock art pictographs, located at the site complex of La Tunita, Department of Ancasti, Catamarca. The goal of the experiment was to evaluate previous research, characterize material properties, and tentatively highlight the main characteristics of the chaîne opératoire involved in the execution of the large pictographs. Results obtained established that local natural gypsum –or aljez– has very good workability properties for the execution of large pictographs. Additionally, the use of filler-type materials such as calcite and lime is inferred, which in some cases improved the material cohesion of the material and rock substrate. Finally, it was observed that the use of an organic component (cactus slime) in the pigment mixtures retarded the setting of the gypsum, thus improving workability.

Keywords : Experimentation; Pigmentary mixture; Gypsum; Rock art; Catamarca.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )