Prehispanic and Colonial Mining in the Desert Plateau of Jujuy (Argentina)

CARLOS I. ANGIORAMA; FLORENCIA BECERRA

Kalahari (Sudáfrica)

Simposio; 3rd Southern Deserts Conference. Kalahari 2008. Climate change and the peopling of the southern deserts; 2008

School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford

The Puna of Jujuy –southern part of Andes high plateau, at over 3,600 metres above sea level in some areas- is one of the richest regions in metalliferous mineral resources in the Argentinian Northwest. There, we can find lots of copper, tin, gold and silver deposits, which were the most used metals during prehispanic and colonial times. Recent archaeometallurgy studies show that most of the total processed metal in the major metallurgy centers of Jujuy, could have come from the Puna. The exploitation of these resources –so important as regards economy and politics- could have allowed the less prosperous Puna inhabitants, get involved in the regional trade during different periods. However, it is not well known the way in which ores were removed and its first treatment. This study aims to deepen information through archaeological exploration in two areas plenty of metalliferous resources –Coyahuayma and Pozuelos, at 3,700 and 4,700 metres above sea level. We have recorded old evidences of mining activities, mineral processing and metallurgy casting. In this study we present the evidences as well as their chronological estimation. We also describe the activities developed in the area and emphasize the importance of these resources for the Puna small population.