The pottery of la pena del medio, paicuqui: variability in a meeting landscape (antofagasta de la sierra, argentina)

During the prehispanic late occupations (ca. 1000-1500 AD), the Pena del Medio (Paicuqui, microregion of Antofagasta de la Sierra, Province of Catamarca), had a strong ritual connotation linked to astronomical observations and cult of the ancestors and, related to micro and macrorregional interaction practices. This paper presents the results obtained from stylistic and petrographic studies of the ceramics recovered on the place. An important stylistic variability in the vessels, their elaboration with allochthonous raw materials and the predominance of suitable forms for food consumption is detected. Ceramic similarities of the Antofalla region and of different sectors of the Calchaquies valleys are recognized. It is concluded that the ceramic set is consistent with the interpretation of Paicuqui as a meeting place and interaction mediated by ritual practices.