CHEMICAL AND PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF PRE-HISPANIC POTTERY FROM THE SOUTHERN ABAUCAN VALLEY, CATAMARCA, ARGENTINA

摘要

Neutron activation (NAA) and petrographic analyses were carried out on Late and Inca Period pottery from 15 archaeological sites and several clay samples in the southern Abaucan Valley, Catamarca, Argentina. The results from the NAA and petrographic analyses provide new data concerning local versus non-local pottery production and vessel exchange for these two pre-Hispanic cultural periods. The chemical data demonstrate the use of different clay sources over time until the Inca appearance in the region, when a more structured and controlled production is observed. Petrographic analyses show a similar change in the ceramic paste recipes used by ancient potters.