Las manoplas de bronce del noroeste argentino prehispánico. Estudios Técnicos sobre nueve ejemplares

Abstract

The so—called tensores or manoplas are a singular type of object among metals from late prehispanic Northwest Argentina. ln this paper the results of laboratory studies carried on nine samples belonging to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores collections are given in advance. Such studies were orientated to establish material chemical compositions and manufacture altematives. Taking into account technical aspects, we propose that objects had a social perfonnance in which symbolic sides went beyond utilitarian ones.