Abstract

SOTELO, Moira. Cairnes and vichaderos in the highlands of Uruguay. Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2014, vol.7, n.2, pp.00-00. ISSN 1852-060X.

Abstract This paper focuses on the study of an archaeological manifestation, composed by stone structures, known in Uruguay as cairnes and vichaderos. These structures were built by aggregating stone blocks, forming mounds and circles, hills and mountains located in north-central and east of Uruguay. It is generally accepted these stone structures were used as part of burial practices among indigenous groups (Guenoa-minuanes and perhaps Charrúas) who inhabited the region before and after the European arrival. The social practices of indigenous peoples led to the formation and building of mounds that acted as ritual and burial sites, places of pilgrimage and territorial markers. The main aim of current studies is the research of the chronology and the functionality of cairnes and vichaderos and the human groups that built them. The empirical evidence on which this project is based is both archaeological and ethnohistorical. The studies indicate a spatial correlation between documentary sources and the archaeological record, while confirming the extent of this phenomenon.

Keywords : Highlands; Stone structures; Human burials; Historical documents.

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