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A tradition and two styles of tablets for hallucinogens in the ritual exchange of the Circumpune Andes (1000-1470 A.D.)
journal Article
2023
Helena, Horta Tricallotis
Pages: e5493
Abstract
This paper identifies a stylistic tradition among the set of snuff trays for hallucinogens from different cemeteries in the oases of San Pedro de Atacama (Antofagasta, Chile) and northwestern Argentina. Even though these snuff trays are part of a large group of artifacts with prominent shared characteristics that make it possible to distinguish them in formal and iconographic terms from other styles/traditions among registered hallucinogenic implements, this task had not been undertaken previously. The tradition has two different styles; the respective iconographies are outside what is recognized for the Circum-Puna area. Thus, this analysis sheds light on a possible place of origin for the tradition in general and these styles in particular. The styles also serve as indicators for the flows of macro-regional ritual exchange. Furthermore, analysis of the funerary contexts of some of these trays provides data on the temporal location of the two styles, and the paper discusses the social identity of the individuals who owned the trays.