Explorando la Variabilidad Petrográfica entre Vasijas Decoradas y Lisas del Sitio La Palmera 2 (Entre Ríos, Argentina): Hacia un Abordaje Microscópico del Arte Cerámico Prehispánico de la Cuenca del Río Paraná

Abstract

RESUMENEste trabajo explora la variabilidad petrográfica de un conjunto cerámico procedente de las tierras bajas del Paraná medio: específicamente del sitio La Palmera 2 (provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina), con la finalidad de abordar aspectos tecnológicos del arte alfarero de las sociedades que habitaron la región durante el Holoceno tardío. Se ofrece una propuesta de estudio en la que se consideran comparativamente muestras de vasijas lisas y decoradas con distintas técnicas: pintura roja, incisión y modelado zoomorfo. Se analizan asimismo cortes delgados correspondientes a "alfarerías gruesas" o "campanas", artefactos peculiares de la arqueología del río Paraná. Los resultados señalan una ausencia de diferencias petrográficas significativas entre las muestras analizadas, sugiriendo que los alfareros aplicaron elecciones técnicas similares para la manufactura de vasijas lisas y decoradas. Al mismo tiempo, se detectan algunas características petrográficas específicas en las "alfarerías gruesas", indicando la implementación de elecciones tecnológicas particulares para la elaboración de estos artefactos. Palabras clave: Análisis Petrográfico, Arte Alfarero, Cuenca Del Paraná Medio, Holoceno Tardío.ABSTRACT This paper explores the petrographic variability of a ceramic assemblage from the lowlands of the middle Paraná: specifically from La Palmera 2 site (province of Entre Rios, Argentina), with the aim of approaching technological aspects of the pottery art of the societies that inhabited the region during the Late Holocene. We offer a study proposal in which we comparatively consider samples of plain vessels and decorated vessels, with different techniques: red paint, incision and zoomorphic modeling. Likewise, we analyze thin sections corresponding to "coarse ware" or "campanas", devices peculiar to the archeology of the Paraná River. The results point out a lack of significant petrographic differences between the analyzed samples, suggesting that the potters applied similar technical choices in the manufacture of both plain and decorated vessels. At the

Mortuary Pottery and Sacred Landscapes in Complex Hunter-gatherers in the Paraná Basin, South America

“…These historical records were generated from observations of aboriginal groups from the Guaycurú linguistic family, which were located in the same basin towards the north, adjacent to the study area. These groups, in addition to spatial proximity, had a lifestyle, material culture and symbolic behaviours similar to those observed in previous populations where tubular artifacts are recorded (Caggiano 1984; Lothrop 1932; Métraux 1937; 1944; 1946; Ottalagano 2013; Palavecino 1933; 1939; Torres 1911). We here transcribe two descriptions that are related to similar artifacts.…”

“…These are dense, with few pore spaces, oscillating around ∼5 per cent. The same results were obtained from thin sections made on complex tubular artifacts with zoomorphic appendages recovered from sites located on the mid-Paraná River (Ottalagano 2015).…”

“…Tubular artifacts are often painted white (Farías 2005; Freitas 1953a,b; Frère 2015; Hilbert 1991; Loponte 2008; Ottalagano 2013; Ottalagano et al in press; Pérez 2017; Vignati 1942; and others). This colour must have had a particular meaning, because utilitarian pots are painted red; meanwhile white paint is extremely rare.…”

“…Torres (1910) and Serrano (1929) considered that the most complex tubular artifacts had a totemic character as an iconic symbol of identity, mainly due to their peculiar structure and zoomorphic appendages. However, it should be noted that ordinary pots from the same context also often have zoomorphic appendages (Ottalagano 2013; Serrano 1972). Frenguelli (1927) considered that they were used to conserve fire; that is, burning coals would have been placed inside them.…”

“…So-called tubular pottery comprises ceramic artifacts of unknown use recovered from Late Holocene archaeological sites generated by the complex hunter-gatherers of southeastern South America, especially in the middle and lower basins of the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers up to the Salado River valley (Aldazabal 1995–96; Brunazzo 1999; Caggiano 1984; Díaz 1977; Farías 2005; Freitas 1942; 1953a,b; Frère 2015; Gaspary 1945; 1950; Ghiani Echenique et al 2013; González 2005; Hilbert 1991; Lafon 1971; Loponte 2008; Lothrop 1932; Márquez Miranda 1932; Oliveira Cézar 1895; Ottalagano 2013; 2015; Ottalagano & Pérez 2013; Paleo & Pérez Meroni 2005–06; 2008; Pérez 2017; Schmitz et al . 1972; Serrano 1922; 1931; 1933; 1972; Vignati 1942) (Fig.…”