Social complexity in Aguada. The Antinaco valley case, Famatina department, north of La Rioja province (Argentina)

Abstract

The development of the so called “Aguada phenomenon” during NW Middle Period launched a process of social complexity in the valliserrana region. Its empirical manifestations had special characteristics according to the historical and particular processes occurred in each area, which allowed the construction of local identities. Each Aguada area showed: a) population growth, evidenced by the amount, scale and functionality of archaeological sites; b) hierarchical pattern of settlements, as much in size as in internal structure, and; c) the use of an iconographical repertoire related to a religious ideology. Considering this evidence, we propose some general considerations about complexity and social organization of societies sharing this phenomenon, particularly those who inhabited the Antinaco valley, in the north of La Rioja province. We consider landscapes as a construction built upon a representation made by each community. Monuments and associated rituals played a vital role in the creation and reproduction of the authority embodied in some wise individuals. Accordingly with these notions, we interpret the architectonical trace of La Cuestecilla site and its surrounding villages, along with the consideration of other materials recovered at the excavated sites.