Abstract

DAMIANI, Oscar A.. Prehispanic irrigation systems in the Iglesia Valley, San Juan, Argentina. Multequina [online]. 2002, vol.11, n.1, pp.01-38. ISSN 1852-7329.

In the Iglesia valley, northwest of San Juan, Argentina, two irrigation systems belonging to the Angualasto culture (1200-1490 AC) are identified. These systems are associated with the Blanco river and occupy the northeastern part of the valley. The system located on the left border is called Buena Esperanza-La Otra Banda, and the one on the right border is known as Angualasto. The two systems show the basic structure of modern irrigation channels, and both matrix channels and small channels for water distribution are identified. They are dug down into the natural terrain or built on artificial embankments. In general they are impermeabilized with clay, which on occasion is baked. Both systems cover an extensive area, only the matrix channels are more than 50 km long, and irrigate a surface higher than 32,000 ha in the valley of the Blanco river. Currently, the modern inhabitants practically do not use the water of the Blanco river for irrigation, they only use the water from other Andean natural water courses.

Keywords : Irrigation; Prehispanic; Angualasto culture.

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