PRE-HISPANIC CONSUMPTION OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN NORTHERN CHILE SUGGESTS EARLY EXCHANGE NETWORKS WITH THE CENTRAL ALTIPLANO AND THE AMAZON REGION

In order to contrast the hypothesis of the existence of a vast cultural exchange network between the Amazon Region, the Central Altiplano and the Pacific coast, the archeological evidence related to the consumption of psycho-active substances in Northern Chile is examined. The available evidence is interpreted configuring some propositions concerning the manners of handling and the possible pharmacotherapy associated to the consumption, to place this praxis in a more specific cultural geographical and chronological context.