Human sacrifices and trophy skulls from Campo del Pucará (Catamarca – Argentina)

M. M. SAMPIETRO VATTUONE; J. ROLDÁN; V. A. NÚÑEZ REGUEIRO; C. E. ROLDÁN

BIOCELL

Año: 2006 p. 49 - 49

0327-9545

Condorhuasi-Alamito culture was settled in Las Estancias valley (Catamarca province) between 200 and 450 AD. Alamito settlements are actually considered as “ceremonial centers” of Condorhuasi culture. These centers were institutions represented by socially organized spaces oriented through the development of religious activities. Pattern settlement analysis showed that the archaeological structures that composed each settlement were used essencially for ritual activities. In addition to settlement pattern there exist two other lines of evidences connected to these activities: the presence of metallurgical workshops for the working of bronze implements and the find of human sacrificed remains found in different archaeological contexts. The objective of this research is to evaluate the health and cause of dead of five skull trophy found at this valley. The skulls were analized using radiograrphic and tomographic evidences. It was possible to determine that: Skull 1 (25-30 years old) female; Skull 2 (40-45 years old) male; Skull 3 (35-40 years old) female; Skull 4 (35-40 years old) female; Skull 5 (40-45 years old) male. In relation with pathologies it was possible to stablish that all skull had post-mortem enlargement of the magnum foramen, with well developed simmetrical mastoid cells. This last feature reflects good health condition during the life of these individuals. It was possible to identify two kind of lessions. Some important and not cured injuries were made by a cutting weapon. These injuries could be the cause of dead. Furthermore, Skulls 2 and 5 show cured lesions that make a compromise with all cranial bone with osseous remodelation. Both individuals were males and this kind of lessions could be a reflect of  male activities, such as war or some kind of violent rituals.