Bioarchaeological evidence of interpersonal violence in the Regional Developments period in the puna of Jujuy, ArgentinaEVIDENCE OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE DURING THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PERIOD IN THE PUNA OF JUJUY, ARGENTINA

Abstract

The archaeological study of the southern Andes overall, and of the Argentine northwest in particular, suggests the presence of group conflicts in the Regional Developments Period (c. AD 900-1430). Yet the bioarchaeological studies that discuss interpersonal violence, war and social conflict in the puna of Jujuy are still scant. This report aims to present and discuss the first results attained by the bioanthropological, taphonomic and palaeopathological analysis of 352 skulls, which belonged to individuals recovered by the pioneering expeditions that entered this region in the early- to mid- twentieth century. The frequency, types and anatomical distribution of the traumata, alongside the mechanisms and forces involved, point towards a widespread participation of males and females in episodes of interpersonal violence. The characteristics recorded suggest a higher incidence of direct confrontation, whilst the coexistence of ante-, peri- and postmortem injuries indicates a repeated exposure to violent episodes and complex practices of corporal manipulation that include the presence of trophy heads of both sexes. Overall, this overview is a starting point for a more in-depth study of conflict and war in the Jujuy puna that engages other Andean regions.Keywords: human remains, traumatic injuries, social conflict, paleopathology, northwest Argentina.