Glass beads diversity. The Santiago del Baradero mission findings (XVII century)

Abstract

In this paper we propose to focus on the analysis on functional diversity of vitreous beads that come from different post-conquers archaeological sites, located in Argentina. Using the information published about these sites, we compared the temporal and spatial variables of the different archaeological contexts as well as the social actors involved in each case. Then, we present the results of morphologic, functional, micro-structural and chemical analysis of the glass beads that come from the archaeological site “Cementerio Indígena”, tie with the Franciscan mission of Santiago del Baradero, founded on 1615 by order of Hernandarias. The typological characteristics of some beads provide information about their chronology and their manufacture place. With these data we have identified practical of conservation of older pieces in more recent contexts. The results obtained allow us to discuss the functional variability of the vitreous beads and the different exchange contexts that give them meaning.