ARTE RUPESTRE EN ASENTAMIENTOS DEL PERÍODO TARDÍO EN LOS VALLES DE LLUTA Y AZAPA, NORTE DE CHILE

Abstract

This paper intends to contribute to discussion of the Inka state expansion toward the peripheral areas of the southern Andes, including the Lluta and Azapa coastal valleys, northern Chile. This process is analysed through exploration of the role of rock art -as a material medium for ideological transmission- in the Inka integration of local populations. We try to demonstrate whether it is possible to recognize an Inka rock art and how this was related to the Inka expansion. We analyse three small residential sites, which include engraved stones and were occupied, at least, during the Late period (ca. 1300-1450 A.D.). Millune and Vinto are in the Lluta valley and Achuyo is in the Azapa valley. Based on differences in the formal attributes of the rock art, and associated features such as decorated pottery, architecture and spatial organization of the rock art, we postulate the existence of a local and pre-Inka rock art style. This style was transformed and utilized by the Inka state as an ideological tool, based on their imperial interest, for the conquest and control of this province. We conclude that the most remarkable change took place in the conversion of formal aspects of the local rock art style to more standardized, Inka style, and in the relocation of the rock art scenario from private to public spaces