Preliminary results from the archaeological record of the eastern sector of the San Antonio de los Cobres Valley, Puna of the Salta Province (Argentina)

Abstract

Here we present the first results of a systematic investigation into the archaeology of the Eastern sector of the San Antonio de los Cobres Valley. We conducted a surface survey using transects, subsequently categorizing the archaeological finds and establishing a relative chronology of the material uncovered. A lithic and a ceramic assemblage were recovered, and structures were identified. The comparison of these materials against those from the western sector of the valley, as well as from other areas of the Puna of Salta and Argentine Puna, suggests an occupational timeline that extends from the early Holocene. This data provides the basis for future research.