Abstract

COLOCA, Federico I.  and  LOPEZ, Gabriel E. J.. PRE-HISPANIC MINING IN THE NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA: TURQUOISE, HAMMERS AND ANVILS IN THE RATONES BASIN, PUNA OF SALTA. Comechingonia [online]. 2023, vol.27, n.2, pp.8-8. ISSN 1851-0027.

This work presents various indicators of pre-Hispanic mining in the Ratones basin, Puna of Salta, Northwestern Argentina, mainly from the late pre-Inca and Inca times. The record related to the exploitation of turquoise in a source of this mineral located in cerro Inca Viejo is studied, where there is a cave with numerous mining-ritual evidence. In this framework, artifactual sets linked to lapidary mining are analyzed, which come from this source and from an Inca enclave called Abra de Minas, located nearby. Specifically, in both sites, hammers and anvils of different sizes used as stone tools for extractive and processing work were found. These instruments represent important evidencefor the study ofpre-Hispanic mining contexts in Northwestern Argentina. Likewise, a high frequency of fragments of turquoise and other copper mineralsand, to a lesser extent, beadsandpreformshave been recovered. The results allow us to point out the value that turquoise hadfor pre-Hispanic Andean societies and, in particular, for the Incas, given the high intensity and investment of mining work in the area.

Keywords : Pre-Hispanic mining; turquoise hammers; Northwestern Argentina.

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