Fire, rituals and domesticity. Forest resource management in the sub-Andean region of Jujuy, Argentina (2000Â BP): First anthracological evidence

In this article, we present the results of anthracological analysis from an archaeological site located in the foothills of the Argentinian northwest, which is assigned to the lower Formative period (2000 year BP). We analyzed thirty-four charcoals from different depositional events over an excavated area of 94 m2. Most of them were assigned to Mimosoideae-Fabaceae. In general, the most represented taxonomic groups correspond to species with excellent fuel properties. Others species, represented at the carpological level and belonging to plants valuable for food and dyes, have not been identified at an anthracological level. Some wood fuel species were selected for specific functions, like human cremations, and were part of complex funerary rituals, while others were selected for high heat power in pyretic structures (earth oven). The diversity of identified taxa in the different samples indicates both the provisioning of available species and a knowledge of the different properties needed for different ends (e.g. Fabacea and Anacardiaceae). The presence of Salix in earth ovens and Allophylus clustered in small groups of charcoals on the floors evidence an environment with humid seasons, and a population that lived near a possibly permanent body of water.