Methodological proposal to identify irrigation canals using diatom analyisis as a biomarker: Peñas Coloradas (Antofagasta de la Sierra, Southern Argentine Puna).

GRANA, L.; M. L. COHEN; N. MAIDANA,

Physical, Chemical and Biological Proxies in Argentine Archaeology: Theory, Methods and Applications

Archaeopress-British Archaeological Reports (BAR)

Lugar: Oxford; Año: 2012;

A b stra c t Studies about prehispanic irrigation canals have an important role in the agricultural landscape reconstruction in archaeological investigations. However, these types of evidence are characterized in many areas by their low visibility and poor preservation, rendering difficult their recognition and subsequent study. For this reason, it is necessary to generate diverse independent methodologies. Therefore the study aims to propose a new methodological tool suitable for the use of biomarkers, such as diatom assemblages, for the identification and characterization of ancient irrigation canals. We have analysed a furrow-like feature lying in proximity to the archaeological site of Peñas Coloradas (Antofagasta de la Sierra, Argentina), to evaluate which aspects of the diatom analysis (specific composition, absolute abundances, preservation stages of valves) are relevant to achieving this objective. Our results suggest that the analysis of the composition and abundance of diatom assemblages and their comparison with modern analogues was found to be useful for identifying the existence of ancient canals and thus, of archaeological water management. Besides, we have statistically proven that the degree of valve preservation was not a suitable tool for this type of investigation. This study has presented the first evidence for this type of archaeological hydraulic technology ever found in the locality and the sub-basin Las Pitas.