Microfossils once more called to understand unknow functional analysis. The case of the Inka celdas at Northwestern Argentina

LAURA TADDEI SALINAS; ALEJANDRA KORSTANJE; VERÓNICA I. WILLIAMS; JULIETA ZAPATIEL

Wuhan

Congreso; 11th International Meeting on Phytolith Research; 2018

China University of Geosciences

In many sites of the Andean region, a special architectural type of structure called ?celdas? has been found. These ?celdas? are related to the Inca presence in the south sector of the Collasuyu. The function of these structures remains unknown since they have not been widely studied. Given the scarcity of even the absence of material remains usually associated with them, we here present the results of a geoarchaeological study, designed to offer information that will allow us to discuss their functionality. A sedimentological analysis has been performed, taking several attributes into account such as color, pH, phosphorus and organic matter. The goal of this study has been to look for anthropic modification of the substrate. The study area, named Compuel, is located in the province of Salta between the Calchaquí Valley and a high altitude desert called Puna, at 3400 masl. In both of these environments there are evidences of pre Inca as well as of Inca occupation. The information presented will allow us to discuss human occupation of the area as well as the relationships between local populations and the imperial administration in a region of northwest Argentina.