Comparative analysis of historical processes during the period of regional integration in the valleys of La Rioja Province (Argentina)

Present research related to La Aguada archaeology shows that, despite sharing a common background, strong regional differences stemming from divergent cultural and historical processes existed. A comparative analysis was undertaken between two Aguada societies from two micro-regions of the central section of the Valleys of Vinchina and Antinaco. The valleys mentioned are both included in the southern sector of La Aguada, La Rioja Province, Argentina (Gonzalez 1977, 1998). The main differences are found in the installation-establishment pattern, and the choice, within the La Aguada iconographic repertoire, of different patterns of ceramic decoration. In the Valley of Vinchina an invisibility strategy was developed and in ceramic decorations geometric patterns predominate. In the Valley of Antinaco a strategy of high visibility prevailed, as shown in the building of public spaces of a monumental nature, and in the ceramic decoration of figurative patterns with a strong symbolic content. With the aim of identifying a time frame for the Aguada sites, we analyzed radiocarbon dating results, which demonstrate diachronic social processes between both micro-regions.