EL YANSO AND DE LA FLECHA QUEBRADAS, GUANDACOL, PROVINCE OF LA RIOJA: HUMAN OCCUPATIONS IN THE MERIDIONAL SECTOR OF NORTHWEST ARGENTINA

In this paper, we present the results of our analysis of new archaeological evidence from El Yanso and de La Flecha quebradas (Guandacol, southwestern La Rioja province, Argentina). Our aim is to identify local social processes by analyzing the spatial dimension and diversity of the archaeological record in an area with no preceding research to date, and to infer the role of this area in the frame of human occupations in the Guandacol valley as well as the meridional sector of Northwest Argentina. To achieve this, we conducted intensive surveys, surface sampling and excavations. In addition, we determined morpho-stylistic pottery groups and examined rock art to establish chronological distinctions. The results reveal settlement patterns and material evidence that would suggest the Formative Period and support regional spatial models up to the historical-colonial Period.