ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE CENTRAL HIGHLAND REGION OF ARGENTINA: ADVANCES IN LATE PREHISPANIC HISTORY

This paper summarizes the results of long-term archaeological research focused on the Late Prehispanic period in the Highlands of Cordoba, Argentina (ca. 1500-300 BP). Long-standing issues in local prehistory were evaluated in the light of new evidence. The introduction of domesticated crops is re-assessed against archaeobotanical and radiocarbon data. This reassessment provides a complex vision of the process of domestication diffusion and of the particular characteristics of the production system. Furthermore, we analyzed organizational continuities and changes related to extractive practices (hunting and gathering), taking into account their impact on subsistence, technology, mobility, territoriality, political integration and intra-group conflict. This analysis allows for an appreciation of the importance of these economic activities and their effect on the reproduction of cultural traits and the distinctive structure of indigenous communities.