Ocupaciones humanas y grabados rupestres del norte de la sierra de Valle Fértil (Provincia de San Juan)

Abstract

This work considers the issue of prehispanic human occupations of the north of the Valle Fértil range (province of San Juan, Argentina) through the analysis of the rock art recorded. The aim of this paper is to deepen the characterization of the engravings of the region, focusing on the valley and ravine zone. By doing this, we seek to evaluate the potential differential use inside it as well as to consider its role on a greater scale. New information available is presented and novel variables are incorporated. The proposed tipology is revised and more detailed subtypes are suggested to systematize the morphological diversity observed. Also, the distribution patterns of the representations are explored on different scales, comparing the different sites as well as the disposition inside them. Finally, in emphasizing the association of the rock art with other kinds of archaeological evidence, we seek to provide more information about the possible roles that rock art had in the occupation of the region.