SEMIOTIC INTERPRETATIONS ON CAMELID IMAGES FROM NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

In this paper we discuss the epistemological and theoretical bases of iconism. Also, we elaborate a methodological procedure in order to analyze and decipher iconic images. This procedure is used to study zoomorphic images on pottery belonging to the Early/Formative Period of the Hualfin Valley in Northwestern Argentina. The vessels-recovered in systematic, documented archaeological excavations in the early 20th century-are part of a collection at the Museo de La Plata. In first stage of the study, minimal units were recognized. In a second stage, we identify the combinations used for composing the images. Finally, the results were analyzed with further contextual information, which suggests that the animals represented on the vessels are domestic camelids.