Aryel Pacheco - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Aryel Pacheco

Research paper thumbnail of Bioarchaeology in Chile: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Want to Go

Archaeological Human Remains, 2018

Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the count... more Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the country’s political and ideological circumstances. In this chapter, we present and explore socio-historical landmarks that have given rise to the origin and development of bioarchaeological research in Chile. Furthermore, we discuss the controversies concerning the study of human remains and point out the new directions currently being developed within the field of bioarchaeology across the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Physical Violence and Social Tension in the Atacama Desert: Osteobiography of a Woman from the Tarapacá 40 Formative Period Cemetery

Latin American Antiquity

Physical violence and social conflict have been widely studied in the ancient societies of the An... more Physical violence and social conflict have been widely studied in the ancient societies of the Andes. However, studies about violence are scarce for the Formative period of northern Chile (1000 BC–AD 900). Evidence from these investigations is generally interpreted as interpersonal violence, whose protagonists are mostly men. Here, we present the case of an adult female recovered from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Tarapacá region, Chile) displaying lesions suggestive of trauma. We reconstruct her life and death in the context of this era's social and political conditions. Results of our bioanthropological characterization, cranial trauma analysis, carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, and recording of the funerary offerings suggest she was a local member of the Formative community buried in the Tarapacá 40 cemetery and that she suffered intentional lethal lesions. Her death is unusual because there are no previous bioarchaeological records of lethal violence against women in the Tar...

Research paper thumbnail of Infants from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Northern Chile, Formative Period, 1000 BC–AD 600)

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2019

This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modifica... more This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modification (ACM) on 35 non-adults until their 38 months of life recovered from the Tarapacá-40 cemetery, Northern Chile. Age estimations were based primarily on long bones dimensions, while skeletal lesions and ACM were recognized on dry bones and in mummified and bundled bodies. Measurements and observations in these later were performed by radiographies. Results show a distribution of ages at death clustered in three groups: around birth and second month of life, between 9-12 months of life, and between 18 and 26 months of life. The presence of physiological disruption indicators such as porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia, criba femoris, periostitis and Harris Lines, and ACM is described. Then, we discussed the observed age at death structure and the skeletal lesions as reflecting weaning process, and the links between the nature and timing of this practice with social organization of care labor, control over female sexuality, and socioeconomic transformations occurring during the Formative period in Northern Chile.

Research paper thumbnail of Absence˚˚ of˚˚ Non-Carious˚˚ Cervical˚˚ Lesions˚˚ (NCCLs)˚˚ in˚˚ a˚˚ Chilean˚˚ Pre-Columbian˚˚ Sample˚˚ with˚˚ Severe˚˚ Occlusal˚˚ Tooth˚˚ Wear Ausencia˚˚ de˚˚ Lesiones˚˚ Cervicales˚˚ no˚˚ Cariosas˚ (NCCLs)˚˚ en˚˚ una Muestra˚˚ Chilena˚˚ Precolombina˚˚ con˚˚ Severo˚˚ Desgaste˚˚ Oclusal

Research paper thumbnail of Pica 8: Refining dietary reconstruction through amino acid δ 13 C analysis of tendon collagen and hair keratin

Journal of Archaeological Science, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Violent death of a woman from the Formative Period of Tarapacá, Northern Chile (1000 B.C. to A.D. 900)

Research paper thumbnail of PAMinSA VI Libro de resúmenes - Book of abstracts

Research paper thumbnail of Violencia y conflicto en el Intermedio Tardio tarapaqueño, reflexiones a partir de indicadores osteologicos y arqueologicos

The osteological analysis from the Late Intermediate period of North of Chile (Pica 8 Cemetery, P... more The osteological analysis from the Late Intermediate period of North of Chile (Pica 8 Cemetery, Pica-Tarapacá Complex) found a low frequency of lesions product of violent causes (6.19%; 6/97 individuals), with only on certain case of intergrupal violence. This does not support the idea about the increased and generalized violence during that period in Center-South of the Andes and also discard the existence of warfare occurred at Pica, but celebration of ritual fights is suggested. This study remarks the necessity of conducting more specific research at local levels, which keep separated the concepts of violence and its manifestations from the identification of warfare and the understanding of conflict in the social relationships between communities that lived at the region, because the latter comprehends a more complex approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Práctica religiosa, especialización artesanal y estatus: hacia la comprensión del rol social del consumo de alucinógenos en el salar de Atacama, norte de Chile (500-1500 d. C.)

Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en ... more Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en el estudio contextual de los ajuares funerarios de seis cementerios prehispánicos de los oasis de San Pedro de Atacama, Región de Antofagasta, Chile. El objetivo central fue profundizar en los aspectos sociales y rituales del sistema religioso prehispánico en Atacama (500-1500 d. C.), tomando como base las evidencias arqueológicas de la parafernalia alucinógena para dilucidar la identidad de los individuos que la poseían, y verificar la hipótesis acerca de su condición de integrantes de la elite atacameña. Bases de datos con la información transcrita desde las Notas de Le Paige para dichos cementerios sirvieron como instrumento básico para el análisis estadístico de las diversas categorías artefactuales; ello permitió establecer correlaciones entre los diferentes componentes de las ofrendas mortuorias, comparando aquellos que incluían elementos del equipo sicotrópico con los que carecían...

Research paper thumbnail of Punishment or surgical procedure?:Intentional amputation in a Late Intermediate Period (1000-1450 AD ) individual from Pica 8 cemetery (Northern Chile)

Research paper thumbnail of Bioarchaeology in Chile: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Want to Go

Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the count... more Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the country’s political and ideological circumstances. In this chapter, we present and explore socio-historical landmarks that have given rise to the origin and development of bioarchaeological research in Chile. Furthermore, we discuss the controversies concerning the study of human remains and point out the new directions currently being developed within the field of bioarchaeology across the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Palaeopathology and amino acid δ13C analysis: Investigating pre-Columbian individuals with tuberculosis at Pica 8, northern Chile (1050-500 BP)

Bulk δ15N and δ13C values of proteinaceous tissues are being increasingly used in bioarchaeologic... more Bulk δ15N and δ13C values of proteinaceous tissues are being increasingly used in bioarchaeological studies to elucidate the physio-pathological status of ancient individuals. This method has not always been successful. The present study aims to explore the novel use of single amino acid carbon isotope analysis in palaeopathology by investigating the effect of a serious infectious disease, tuberculosis (TB), on the isotope composition of two collagenous tissues (tendon, rib). This is achieved by comparing the bulk and amino acid stable isotope compositions of collagenous tissues collected from human remains with and without TB-like bone lesions. The sample set comprises twelve adult individuals (males = 6, females = 6), who were buried at Pica 8, an inland oasis situated on the mid-elevation plains of northern Chile (Late Intermediate Period, ~1050-500 BP). Similarity and consistency in the diet of these individuals are explored using amino acid carbon isotope analysis of 1-cm hair ...

Research paper thumbnail of Contextos Mortuorios en La Cuenca Del Río Ramadillas (Pre-Cordillera De La Región De Atacama, Chile): Dataciones y Análisis De Isótopos Estables

Research paper thumbnail of Movilidad y dieta en el valle de el mauro (31° 57’ S. - 71° 01’ W.), norte semiárido de Chile, entre 8350-929 cal. ap

Comechingonia. Revista de Arqueología

El valle de El Mauro se localiza a 40 km del Océano Pacífico (1000 msnm) en el extremo meridional... more El valle de El Mauro se localiza a 40 km del Océano Pacífico (1000 msnm) en el extremo meridional del Norte Semiárido de Chile. Para contribuir al conocimiento de la movilidad y dieta prehispánica en el valle se analizó el radiocarbono y los isótopos de estroncio ( ?? Sr/ ?? Sr), oxígeno (?¹ ? O), nitrógeno (?¹ ? N) y carbono (?13C) de 21 individuos y un entierro múltiple (NMI=3). Los datos indican el arribo esporádico de individuos de origen y/o hábitat costeros entre 8350-3000 cal. AP. Posterior a 3000 cal. AP las inhumaciones se hicieron frecuentes, ya no de foráneos sino de individuos locales. Poco después de 2000 cal. AP y hasta 900 cal. AP las inhumaciones siguieron siendo frecuentes, también de individuos locales. En toda la secuencia temporal (8350-929 cal. AP) se consumieron eminentemente recursos terrestres/locales del valle. La carne terrestre fue parte de la dieta hasta ca. 2000 cal. AP. Luego se detectaron dos grupos: uno que mantuvo dietas que incorporaban carne y otro...

Research paper thumbnail of Treponematosis in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer male from Antofagasta (1830 ± 20 BP, Northern Coast of Chile)

International Journal of Paleopathology

Research paper thumbnail of Palaeopathological analysis of a Chilean gomphothere (Proboscidea: Gomphotheriidae)

International Journal of Paleopathology

Research paper thumbnail of Avoiding War in Tarapacá (Northern Chile) During the Andean Late Intermediate Period (AD 1000-1450)

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2015

ABSTRACT The Late Intermediate period (LIP, AD 1000-1450) in the South Central Andes is commonly ... more ABSTRACT The Late Intermediate period (LIP, AD 1000-1450) in the South Central Andes is commonly characterized by an increase in violence. Here, we analyse evidence to test whether the population that inhabited the oasis of Pica (Region of Tarapacá, Northern Chile) during LIP was engaged in violent warfare. The analysis of 96 individuals showed a low prevalence of violence-related injuries (N = 6/96). Facial traumas observed on females could be a result of domestic violence, whereas nasal traumas found in males could be interpreted as a result of ritualised combats. One male exhibits a point embedded in his first right rib which is the only injury that can be attributed to open intergroup combat. These findings, combined with the mortuary characteristics of the Pica 8 cemetery, the lack of defensive constructions at the site, the settlement pattern, and the iconography do not support the existence of war at Pica during the LIP. The weapons found at Pica 8 cemetery are elaborately decorated and many are clearly useless in combat so they were likely not made to be used in open conflicts. In addition, clothes considered to belong to warriors may be alternately interpreted as garments used for ceremonial purpose. Taking into account the belligerent climate in contemporaneous San Pedro de Atacama, we suggest that the Pica population employed ritualised violence as a means of avoiding larger conflicts or war. We propose that male violence in controlled scenarios permitted the sublimation of social inequalities or internal conflicts, and could have been used in order to create and maintain social stability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Práctica religiosa, especialización artesanal y estatus: hacia la comprensión del rol social del consumo de alucinógenos en el salar de Atacama, norte de Chile (500-1500 DC)

Estudios Atacameños, 2021

Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en ... more Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en el estudio contextual de los ajuares funerarios de seis cementerios prehispánicos de los oasis de San Pedro de Atacama, región de Antofagasta, Chile. El objetivo central fue profundizar en los aspectos sociales y rituales del sistema religioso prehispánico en Atacama (500-1500 DC), tomando como base las evidencias arqueológicas de la parafernalia alucinógena para dilucidar la identidad de los individuos que la poseían, y verificar la hipótesis acerca de su condición de integrantes de la élite atacameña. Bases de datos con la información transcrita desde las Notas de Le Paige para dichos cementerios sirvieron como instrumento básico para el análisis estadístico de las diversas categorías artefactuales; ello permitió establecer correlaciones entre los diferentes componentes de las ofrendas mortuorias, comparando aquellos que incluían elementos del equipo sicotrópico con los que carecían de ellos. De esta forma, surgieron dife-rencias en el manejo de determinados bienes que integran el círculo de objetos “materializa-dores” de la élite atacameña. Lo anterior plantea la existencia de diferentes especializaciones artesanales entre ayllus y diferencias de estatus al interior de esta sociedad, así como el control de los circuitos de intercambio interregional por parte de dicha élite.

Research paper thumbnail of (2019) Infants from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Northern Chile, Formative Period, 1000 BC–AD 600)

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2019

This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modifica... more This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modification (ACM) on 35 nonadults until their 38 months of life recovered from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery, Northern Chile. Age estimations were based primarily on long bones dimensions, whereas skeletal lesions and ACM were recognized on dry bones and in mummified and bundled bodies. Measurements and observations in these later were performed by radiographies. Results show a distribution of ages at death clustered in three groups: around birth and second month of life, between 9 and 12 months of life, and between 18 and 26 months of life. The presence of physiological disruption indicators such as porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia, criba femoris, periostitis and Harris lines, and ACM is described. Then, we discussed the observed age at death structure and the skeletal lesions as reflecting weaning process, and the links between the nature and timing of this practice with social organization of care labour, control over female sexuality, and socio‐economic transformations occurring during the Formative Period in Northern Chile.

Research paper thumbnail of Diaz et al 2018 Deformación intencional del cráneo en poblaciones pre-hispánicas del Norte Grande de Chile

Research paper thumbnail of Bioarchaeology in Chile: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Want to Go

Archaeological Human Remains, 2018

Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the count... more Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the country’s political and ideological circumstances. In this chapter, we present and explore socio-historical landmarks that have given rise to the origin and development of bioarchaeological research in Chile. Furthermore, we discuss the controversies concerning the study of human remains and point out the new directions currently being developed within the field of bioarchaeology across the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Physical Violence and Social Tension in the Atacama Desert: Osteobiography of a Woman from the Tarapacá 40 Formative Period Cemetery

Latin American Antiquity

Physical violence and social conflict have been widely studied in the ancient societies of the An... more Physical violence and social conflict have been widely studied in the ancient societies of the Andes. However, studies about violence are scarce for the Formative period of northern Chile (1000 BC–AD 900). Evidence from these investigations is generally interpreted as interpersonal violence, whose protagonists are mostly men. Here, we present the case of an adult female recovered from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Tarapacá region, Chile) displaying lesions suggestive of trauma. We reconstruct her life and death in the context of this era's social and political conditions. Results of our bioanthropological characterization, cranial trauma analysis, carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, and recording of the funerary offerings suggest she was a local member of the Formative community buried in the Tarapacá 40 cemetery and that she suffered intentional lethal lesions. Her death is unusual because there are no previous bioarchaeological records of lethal violence against women in the Tar...

Research paper thumbnail of Infants from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Northern Chile, Formative Period, 1000 BC–AD 600)

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2019

This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modifica... more This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modification (ACM) on 35 non-adults until their 38 months of life recovered from the Tarapacá-40 cemetery, Northern Chile. Age estimations were based primarily on long bones dimensions, while skeletal lesions and ACM were recognized on dry bones and in mummified and bundled bodies. Measurements and observations in these later were performed by radiographies. Results show a distribution of ages at death clustered in three groups: around birth and second month of life, between 9-12 months of life, and between 18 and 26 months of life. The presence of physiological disruption indicators such as porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia, criba femoris, periostitis and Harris Lines, and ACM is described. Then, we discussed the observed age at death structure and the skeletal lesions as reflecting weaning process, and the links between the nature and timing of this practice with social organization of care labor, control over female sexuality, and socioeconomic transformations occurring during the Formative period in Northern Chile.

Research paper thumbnail of Absence˚˚ of˚˚ Non-Carious˚˚ Cervical˚˚ Lesions˚˚ (NCCLs)˚˚ in˚˚ a˚˚ Chilean˚˚ Pre-Columbian˚˚ Sample˚˚ with˚˚ Severe˚˚ Occlusal˚˚ Tooth˚˚ Wear Ausencia˚˚ de˚˚ Lesiones˚˚ Cervicales˚˚ no˚˚ Cariosas˚ (NCCLs)˚˚ en˚˚ una Muestra˚˚ Chilena˚˚ Precolombina˚˚ con˚˚ Severo˚˚ Desgaste˚˚ Oclusal

Research paper thumbnail of Pica 8: Refining dietary reconstruction through amino acid δ 13 C analysis of tendon collagen and hair keratin

Journal of Archaeological Science, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Violent death of a woman from the Formative Period of Tarapacá, Northern Chile (1000 B.C. to A.D. 900)

Research paper thumbnail of PAMinSA VI Libro de resúmenes - Book of abstracts

Research paper thumbnail of Violencia y conflicto en el Intermedio Tardio tarapaqueño, reflexiones a partir de indicadores osteologicos y arqueologicos

The osteological analysis from the Late Intermediate period of North of Chile (Pica 8 Cemetery, P... more The osteological analysis from the Late Intermediate period of North of Chile (Pica 8 Cemetery, Pica-Tarapacá Complex) found a low frequency of lesions product of violent causes (6.19%; 6/97 individuals), with only on certain case of intergrupal violence. This does not support the idea about the increased and generalized violence during that period in Center-South of the Andes and also discard the existence of warfare occurred at Pica, but celebration of ritual fights is suggested. This study remarks the necessity of conducting more specific research at local levels, which keep separated the concepts of violence and its manifestations from the identification of warfare and the understanding of conflict in the social relationships between communities that lived at the region, because the latter comprehends a more complex approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Práctica religiosa, especialización artesanal y estatus: hacia la comprensión del rol social del consumo de alucinógenos en el salar de Atacama, norte de Chile (500-1500 d. C.)

Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en ... more Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en el estudio contextual de los ajuares funerarios de seis cementerios prehispánicos de los oasis de San Pedro de Atacama, Región de Antofagasta, Chile. El objetivo central fue profundizar en los aspectos sociales y rituales del sistema religioso prehispánico en Atacama (500-1500 d. C.), tomando como base las evidencias arqueológicas de la parafernalia alucinógena para dilucidar la identidad de los individuos que la poseían, y verificar la hipótesis acerca de su condición de integrantes de la elite atacameña. Bases de datos con la información transcrita desde las Notas de Le Paige para dichos cementerios sirvieron como instrumento básico para el análisis estadístico de las diversas categorías artefactuales; ello permitió establecer correlaciones entre los diferentes componentes de las ofrendas mortuorias, comparando aquellos que incluían elementos del equipo sicotrópico con los que carecían...

Research paper thumbnail of Punishment or surgical procedure?:Intentional amputation in a Late Intermediate Period (1000-1450 AD ) individual from Pica 8 cemetery (Northern Chile)

Research paper thumbnail of Bioarchaeology in Chile: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Want to Go

Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the count... more Throughout its history, Chilean bioarchaeology has been shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the country’s political and ideological circumstances. In this chapter, we present and explore socio-historical landmarks that have given rise to the origin and development of bioarchaeological research in Chile. Furthermore, we discuss the controversies concerning the study of human remains and point out the new directions currently being developed within the field of bioarchaeology across the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Palaeopathology and amino acid δ13C analysis: Investigating pre-Columbian individuals with tuberculosis at Pica 8, northern Chile (1050-500 BP)

Bulk δ15N and δ13C values of proteinaceous tissues are being increasingly used in bioarchaeologic... more Bulk δ15N and δ13C values of proteinaceous tissues are being increasingly used in bioarchaeological studies to elucidate the physio-pathological status of ancient individuals. This method has not always been successful. The present study aims to explore the novel use of single amino acid carbon isotope analysis in palaeopathology by investigating the effect of a serious infectious disease, tuberculosis (TB), on the isotope composition of two collagenous tissues (tendon, rib). This is achieved by comparing the bulk and amino acid stable isotope compositions of collagenous tissues collected from human remains with and without TB-like bone lesions. The sample set comprises twelve adult individuals (males = 6, females = 6), who were buried at Pica 8, an inland oasis situated on the mid-elevation plains of northern Chile (Late Intermediate Period, ~1050-500 BP). Similarity and consistency in the diet of these individuals are explored using amino acid carbon isotope analysis of 1-cm hair ...

Research paper thumbnail of Contextos Mortuorios en La Cuenca Del Río Ramadillas (Pre-Cordillera De La Región De Atacama, Chile): Dataciones y Análisis De Isótopos Estables

Research paper thumbnail of Movilidad y dieta en el valle de el mauro (31° 57’ S. - 71° 01’ W.), norte semiárido de Chile, entre 8350-929 cal. ap

Comechingonia. Revista de Arqueología

El valle de El Mauro se localiza a 40 km del Océano Pacífico (1000 msnm) en el extremo meridional... more El valle de El Mauro se localiza a 40 km del Océano Pacífico (1000 msnm) en el extremo meridional del Norte Semiárido de Chile. Para contribuir al conocimiento de la movilidad y dieta prehispánica en el valle se analizó el radiocarbono y los isótopos de estroncio ( ?? Sr/ ?? Sr), oxígeno (?¹ ? O), nitrógeno (?¹ ? N) y carbono (?13C) de 21 individuos y un entierro múltiple (NMI=3). Los datos indican el arribo esporádico de individuos de origen y/o hábitat costeros entre 8350-3000 cal. AP. Posterior a 3000 cal. AP las inhumaciones se hicieron frecuentes, ya no de foráneos sino de individuos locales. Poco después de 2000 cal. AP y hasta 900 cal. AP las inhumaciones siguieron siendo frecuentes, también de individuos locales. En toda la secuencia temporal (8350-929 cal. AP) se consumieron eminentemente recursos terrestres/locales del valle. La carne terrestre fue parte de la dieta hasta ca. 2000 cal. AP. Luego se detectaron dos grupos: uno que mantuvo dietas que incorporaban carne y otro...

Research paper thumbnail of Treponematosis in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer male from Antofagasta (1830 ± 20 BP, Northern Coast of Chile)

International Journal of Paleopathology

Research paper thumbnail of Palaeopathological analysis of a Chilean gomphothere (Proboscidea: Gomphotheriidae)

International Journal of Paleopathology

Research paper thumbnail of Avoiding War in Tarapacá (Northern Chile) During the Andean Late Intermediate Period (AD 1000-1450)

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2015

ABSTRACT The Late Intermediate period (LIP, AD 1000-1450) in the South Central Andes is commonly ... more ABSTRACT The Late Intermediate period (LIP, AD 1000-1450) in the South Central Andes is commonly characterized by an increase in violence. Here, we analyse evidence to test whether the population that inhabited the oasis of Pica (Region of Tarapacá, Northern Chile) during LIP was engaged in violent warfare. The analysis of 96 individuals showed a low prevalence of violence-related injuries (N = 6/96). Facial traumas observed on females could be a result of domestic violence, whereas nasal traumas found in males could be interpreted as a result of ritualised combats. One male exhibits a point embedded in his first right rib which is the only injury that can be attributed to open intergroup combat. These findings, combined with the mortuary characteristics of the Pica 8 cemetery, the lack of defensive constructions at the site, the settlement pattern, and the iconography do not support the existence of war at Pica during the LIP. The weapons found at Pica 8 cemetery are elaborately decorated and many are clearly useless in combat so they were likely not made to be used in open conflicts. In addition, clothes considered to belong to warriors may be alternately interpreted as garments used for ceremonial purpose. Taking into account the belligerent climate in contemporaneous San Pedro de Atacama, we suggest that the Pica population employed ritualised violence as a means of avoiding larger conflicts or war. We propose that male violence in controlled scenarios permitted the sublimation of social inequalities or internal conflicts, and could have been used in order to create and maintain social stability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Práctica religiosa, especialización artesanal y estatus: hacia la comprensión del rol social del consumo de alucinógenos en el salar de Atacama, norte de Chile (500-1500 DC)

Estudios Atacameños, 2021

Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en ... more Este trabajo entrega parte de los resultados de una investigación multidisciplinaria centrada en el estudio contextual de los ajuares funerarios de seis cementerios prehispánicos de los oasis de San Pedro de Atacama, región de Antofagasta, Chile. El objetivo central fue profundizar en los aspectos sociales y rituales del sistema religioso prehispánico en Atacama (500-1500 DC), tomando como base las evidencias arqueológicas de la parafernalia alucinógena para dilucidar la identidad de los individuos que la poseían, y verificar la hipótesis acerca de su condición de integrantes de la élite atacameña. Bases de datos con la información transcrita desde las Notas de Le Paige para dichos cementerios sirvieron como instrumento básico para el análisis estadístico de las diversas categorías artefactuales; ello permitió establecer correlaciones entre los diferentes componentes de las ofrendas mortuorias, comparando aquellos que incluían elementos del equipo sicotrópico con los que carecían de ellos. De esta forma, surgieron dife-rencias en el manejo de determinados bienes que integran el círculo de objetos “materializa-dores” de la élite atacameña. Lo anterior plantea la existencia de diferentes especializaciones artesanales entre ayllus y diferencias de estatus al interior de esta sociedad, así como el control de los circuitos de intercambio interregional por parte de dicha élite.

Research paper thumbnail of (2019) Infants from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Northern Chile, Formative Period, 1000 BC–AD 600)

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2019

This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modifica... more This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modification (ACM) on 35 nonadults until their 38 months of life recovered from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery, Northern Chile. Age estimations were based primarily on long bones dimensions, whereas skeletal lesions and ACM were recognized on dry bones and in mummified and bundled bodies. Measurements and observations in these later were performed by radiographies. Results show a distribution of ages at death clustered in three groups: around birth and second month of life, between 9 and 12 months of life, and between 18 and 26 months of life. The presence of physiological disruption indicators such as porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia, criba femoris, periostitis and Harris lines, and ACM is described. Then, we discussed the observed age at death structure and the skeletal lesions as reflecting weaning process, and the links between the nature and timing of this practice with social organization of care labour, control over female sexuality, and socio‐economic transformations occurring during the Formative Period in Northern Chile.

Research paper thumbnail of Diaz et al 2018 Deformación intencional del cráneo en poblaciones pre-hispánicas del Norte Grande de Chile

Research paper thumbnail of Physical Violence and Social Tension in the Atacama Desert: Osteobiography of a Woman from the Tarapacá 40 Formative Period Cemetery

Latin American Antiquity, 2023

Physical violence and social conflict have been widely studied in the ancient societies of the An... more Physical violence and social conflict have been widely studied in the ancient societies of the Andes. However, studies about violence are scarce for the Formative period of northern Chile (1000 BC–AD 900). Evidence from these investigations is generally interpreted as interpersonal violence, whose protagonists are mostly men. Here, we present the case of an adult female recovered from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Tarapacá region, Chile) displaying lesions suggestive of trauma. We reconstruct her life and death in the context of this era’s social and political conditions. Results of our bioanthropological characterization, cranial trauma analysis, carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, and recording of the funerary offerings suggest she was a local member of the Formative community buried in the Tarapacá 40 cemetery and that she suffered intentional lethal lesions. Her death is unusual because there are no previous bioarchaeological records of lethal violence
against women in the Tarapacá region. The osteobiography of this woman reflects a context characterized by an increase in inequality and social complexity, whereby physical violence could be used as a mechanism of internal regulation and exercise of power during the Formative period.