Abstract

GASTALDI, Marcos et al. FIRST RESULTS OF THE STRATIGRAPHIC EXCAVATIONS IN OYOLA 7 (EL ALTO-ANCASTI HILLS, PROVINCE OF CATAMARCA, ARGENTINA). Comechingonia [online]. 2016, vol.20, n.2, pp.1-10. ISSN 1851-0027.

This article presents the results of the stratigraphic excavations of the floor of one of the most important caves with rock art from the archaeological site of Oyola, located in the mountain range of El Alto-Ancasti, Catamarca. The excavations were developed following the principles of archaeological stratigraphy proposed by E. C. Harris. The reconstruction of the stratigraphic matrix allowed us to recognize a great variety of actions and practices carried out in the rocky outpost, in addition to painting the walls. Among them stand out the realization of fires in different sectors of the cave. This article describes the most important features of stratigraphy. We present the recovered and dated materials that locate some of the activities of this cave in the second half of the first millennium AD, although we have elements to suggest that occupations had been developed before and after those dates.

Keywords : rock art, Matrix Harris, social practices, Northwest Argentina.