Abstract

ZUCOL, Alejandro Fabián; FIGUEROA, Germán G  and  COLOBIG, María de los Milagros. A study of siliceous microremains from a first millennium terrace systems in The Ambato Valley, southern Andes, Catamarca, Argentina. Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.1, pp.163-179. ISSN 1850-373X.

Siliceous microremain components of the sedimentary sequence from three agricultural terrace types from Los Varela locality, Ambato, Catamarca province, Argentina were analyzed. The comparative analysis of microremain assemblages (with special emphasis on their phytoliths) allowed zonification of the sequences and differentiation between some sections of the structures to be established. The presence in high relative abundance of phytoliths produced by non-dominant local flora suggests the anthropogenic origin of these phytoliths, which are linked mainly with panicoid grasses, palms, bamboos and dicots. Moreover, the presence of certain non-phytolith microremains may indicate irrigation practices in some assemblages within these sequences.

Keywords : Silica microremains; Agricultural terrace; Ambato Valley; Aguada culture.

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