Huacas and Virgins: Territorial Reorganization in the Middle Sector of Humahuaca Gorge (Jujuy, Argentina)

Abstract

Considering the wide spectrum of domination strategies applied by the Tahuantinsuyu to incorporate the middle sector of the Humahuaca Gorge, this paper proposes that regional cult, including the veneration of local mountains, was used for a symbolic reorganization purpose. Prospections in the tributary gorges of Yacoraite, La Huerta and Sixilera have identified several previously unregistered archaeological sites, particularly associated to the state intervention. Meanwhile, the actual pilgrims and processions up to the High Sanctuary of Sacred Mountain of Sixilera, suggested that this religious practices comes since immemorial times, hiding prehispanic practices with the Christian evangelization in the beginnings of colonial era.