Chipanas and orejones in the Tawantinsuyu eastern frontier. An archaeological and ethnohistorical proposal for the valleys of northern Salta, Argentina

Abstract

The eastern valleys of northern Salta were part of the eastern border ofTawantinsuyu. In the sector of the Iruya, Nazareno and Bacoya valleys theoccupation had economic objectives, comprising an enclave occupied byhierarchical groups. The mineral-metallurgical activities were among themain goals pursued in this eastern sector of the Serranías de Santa Victoria, particularly the production of luxury goods. According to the archaeologicalrecord, and taking into consideration the available historic documentationand cartography, we surmise that the metal pieces that characterized theproduction in these valleys were the chipanas. These bracelets were consideredsymbols of prestige highly valued within Andean society -especially among theIncas. These pieces of great symbolic value were used as economic exchangegoods, as presents for the Inca during festivities, as well as for curacas andorejones. They were also important objects for economic transactions duringInca and early colonial times.