Abstract
The results of macroscopic, microscopic, and metallographic studies of archaeological metal objects from the Delta of the Paraná River (Argentina, South America) are presented. The aim of these studies was to determine the chemical composition and the manufacturing techniques of these allochthonous objects frequently placed in human burials. The results were discussed taking into account archaeological and ethnohistorical information in order to understand the significance of metals and the indigenous routes to the Paraná River. We concluded that the metal pendants and beads recovered in the Paraná Delta were manufactured from copper by casting in open moulds and hammering. Finished metal objects reached the Paraná River as a result of exchange circuits involving transport across pre-Hispanic routes from the production centres in the Andes. Metal objects from distant geographical areas were used to mark social ranks within the groups and were symbols of prestige displayed by local leaders.
Highlights
Metal objects have been one of the most valued goods for human societies all over the world since the emergence of metallurgy
The rectangular (TIIPG N°4) and quadrangular (TIBG N°11) pendants were embossed with a blunted point, making a bass-relief decoration formed by a succession of points of ca. 2 mm in diameter around the perimeter of the pieces
In four of the pieces (TIIPG N°4, Túmulo I del Brazo Gutiérrez (TIBG) N°6, N°7 and N°11), it can be observed that the suspension hole was made through mechanical action with a pointed element perforating from one of the piece surfaces and leaving an irregular burr of metal material around the hole on the opposing surface
Summary
Metal objects have been one of the most valued goods for human societies all over the world since the emergence of metallurgy. Metal objects from the Calchaquí valleys in the north-west of Argentina have even reached the Patagonia region (more than 1900 km away in a straight line) as evidenced by a funerary context of the beginning of the Hispanic contact (Gómez Otero, 2003). They circulated as finished objects, ingots or unfinished hammered sheets (thin plates), and were made of copper, bronze alloy and, to a lesser extent, gold and silver
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