Arid environment and water management in the Southern Puna (Argentina): a view from archaeology.

GRANA LORENA

Trujillo

Workshop; First International Workshop on Paleoclimate, Water Use and Environmental Phenomena in Ancient Peru and Their Contemporary Impacts; 2019

Universidad Nacional de Trujillo y

The aim of presentation is to show how our modern interpretation concerning the Altiplano and its role in present-day Andean society, ground in western-capitalist logic, has rendered invisible the hidden potential of this environment in the development of sustainable family farming, especially in Antofagasta de Sierra, Argentine Altiplano. Currently, agriculture in the region is underdeveloped. However, archaeological evidence has shown that during the Late Development and Inka Periods there was a considerable increase and intensification in agricultural production in Antofagasta de la Sierra. It should be noted that this was against a backdrop of increased aridity. In turn, this suggests the possible coexistence of wet agricultural landscapes within an arid environment. The reasons for this agricultural success lay in correct water management. Thus, the theme of the social management of water in the Andes must be studied from the perspective of a critical analysis into the interdependence between societies and the environment.