The culture of Santa Maria existed on the territory of modern Argentina in the north-west of the province of Catamarca during the period 1200-1470 n. e., mainly in the valleys Kalchakies and Jokaville . Apparently, it was founded by the people of the Diagite , who lived in this region since the beginning of this culture.
In agriculture, they used terrace farming and irrigation systems, which allowed them to feed a sufficiently large number of people. Among the cultivated plants were: corn , potatoes , beans , quinoa and pumpkin . In addition, the locust bean and geoffroea decorticans of the legume family were collected. The llama glam was used as a pack animal, and caravan trade was conducted with distant peoples.
They processed metals - copper , gold and silver , made rather complex metal products. They also made large decorated ceramic vessels that were used as burial urns.
At the head of society was the hereditary nobility, at the top of the hierarchy were warriors and priests, shamans.
They lived in small villages, inside the hills and in separate houses along the rivers. Dwellings were built of stone. They also built defenses known as Pukara .
Around 1430 , Quechua native speakers from the Andes came into contact with this culture, which led to political changes in the region.
By the time of the arrival of the Incas, as well as for some time after the Spanish conquest, there lived peoples in the region who spoke the Cakan language - Yokavil, Kalchak, Amaich, Anginhao, Kafayyat and Enkalilia.
The Incas seized this region and formed two provinces, Chikoana and Kiri-Kiri, on its territory).
Along with the Santa Maria culture, other similar cultures existed in the region:
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Belen Culture (Belén)
Existed in the region of Belem in the Argentine province of Catamarca along the river Ualfina . Existed in the period 1000 - 1450 . n er in the valleys of Abaukan , Walfin and in the lowlands of Pipanaco .
Belentsy used bronze for making axes and other products.
Culture of Sanagasta (Sanagasta)
The Sanagasta or Anguasto Cultural Center was located in the modern province of La Rioja in Argentina. The influence of culture spread to the territory of the modern province of San Juan .
Culture of Walfin (Hualfín)
Existed in the period 850 - 1450 n. er
See also
- Diagnos