Obsidian Lithic Technology, Chaîne Opératoire and Symbolic Meaning in the Northern Hualfín Valley (Northwest Argentina) during Late - Inka Period

The main objective of this research is to analyse the lithic technology applied obsidian, a raw material popular amongst pre-Columbian populations from Northwestern Argentina (NWA) because its social and symbolic value. analysed assemblage comes archaeological site Villavil 2 (VV2), located in Hualfín Valley (Catamarca, Argentina) distant ca. 100 - 200 kms nearest sources material. VV2 was discovered 2015 by one authors shows particular presence rock art which had not previously been registered area. associated Late Inka Period (ca. 10th 16th centuries CE). So far, we suggest that place temporal, but periodical use best fits with what would call ceremonial space.
 comprises totality obsidian elements collected both superficial stratigraphic contexts. It divided into three typological classes: tools (projectile points), flakes natural sharp edges (FNSE) waste products (WP). We did identify cores. analysis considered following variables: knapping methods techniques, size, amount cortex, flake type edge types.
 At VV2, points are only retouched made obsidian. They correspond triangular unstemmed concave-based type, very common during Late-Inka Periods, they were shaped using perimetral bifacial pressure technique, possibly blanks. FNSEs’ size small, present scarce cortex. On other hand, abundance small-sized WPs remarkable. found same context attest complete finish (edge retouch).
 results let us infer point-shaping tasks carried out situ. Moreover, implemented involved major production efforts skills, contrast those local knapping. possible curated strategy related difficulty accessing allochthonous Instead, these choices could reflect meanings. According linguistic ethnohistoric information, brightness transparency propitiatory win favour w'akas. Furthermore, NWA long-distance exchange an ancient tradition lasted for long time. Obtaining display ability group access resources legitimize their political status. Nevertheless, cannot forget also important making different artefacts subsistence activities.