Acerca de una inhumación temprana (CA. 2500 AP) en el sitio Cruz Chiquita 3 (Valle de Salsacate, Córdoba, Argentina)

Abstract

This paper presents the study of a burial found in Cruz Chiquita 3, a site located in Salsacate valley, in the western sector of Córdoba province, Argentina. AMS dating of a human bone sample reveals an antiquity of 2500 BP. The mortuary practices are evaluated on a regional scale in order to contextualize the case. We analyze the degree of diversity/homogeneity, and continuity/discontinuity of the trends regarding mortuary practices for a long period. In parallel, the phytolithic analysis of teeth reveals the presence of maize (Zea mays), in an early time for Córdoba Hills and in general for the South Andes region. We evaluate the potential existence of a local agricultural production, in accordance with available information at a regional and macro-regional scale.