Ceramics

Ceramic objects could have been used for processing food resources, as well as for storing water and animal fat.

The chronicles and stories of travelers and/or explorers mention the use of ceramic artifacts by indigenous groups.

The origin of the recovered vessels is believed to be in the north, where populations had a long tradition of pottery production.

The existence of exchange networks with these groups has been suggested, a mechanism that would have allowed access to these artefacts. However, the information obtained so far has not allowed this hypothesis to be corroborated.

The analysis of the shards involves identifying their characteristics:

  • Macroscopic: presence/absence of decoration, type of motif, color, size, thickness, sector of the ceramic recipent. It involves the use of precision calipers, a tepalcatometer, and a color chart. The data collected is recorded in specially prepared spreadsheets.
  • Microscopic: specific composition of the clay used, type of tempering agent used, presence/absence of traces of use and/or residues. In ordewr to do this analysis petrographic sections are needed, as well as the use of specific instruments (polarized light microscope).

Chico river basin

The production of vessels would have been possible in the Rio Chico area, given the local availability of the necessary raw materials:

  • Clay sources of various quality + Mineral pigments for decoration.

  • Fuel for cooking ceramic recipients (molle).

  • Various types of rock used as chamotte or antiplastic.

  • The fragments mostly show undecorated surfaces.

  • The decorated pots have combined geometric motifs: straight and zigzag lines.

  • The vessels were used for food processing, according to analysis of the residues contained on the inner surface of the pots.

The radiocarbon dates obtained place the findings between 1.453 and 1.641 AD, that is, immediately prior to or contemporary to the arrival of the first European explorers.

Recently, isotopic studies were carried out on two shards recovered on the surface. This technique allows to evaluate aspects related to the diet of human populations based on the analysis of organic components recovered at different supports (bone remains, vessels, etc.).

The results indicate the presence of animal fat (subcutaneous or medullary), probably related to the consumption of guanaco or another animal source.

Santa Cruz river basin

In the Chalía river area and in the upper course of the Santa Cruz river basin, only a few ceramic fragments were recovered. The predominant surface treatment is smoothing, and no decoration is recorded.

The analyses carried out on these pots indicate the presence of animal fat (guanaco and/or choique). These components would be related to the cooking of food for human consumption. Stable isotope studies allow the evaluation of aspects related to the diet of human populations based on the analysis of organic components from various supports (bone remains, vessels, etc.).

On the other hand, during the archaeological recue works within the framework of the planned construction of the Cóndor Cliff dam, the first shards for the south of the Santa Cruz river were obtained.

The radiocarbon dates obtained place the findings between 1.484 and 1.857 AD, that is, immediately prior to or contemporaneous to indigenous contact with European populations.