On the periphery of the Inka empire: spatial arrangement at the pre-Hispanic rock art site of Villavil 2 (Catamarca, Argentina)

This paper describes the analysis of the late pre-Hispanic rock art site of Villavil 2 (Catamarca, Argentina). Despite its modest and inconspicuous nature, this is one of the few examples of rock art sites known in the area to date. The relationship of the site with the surrounding landscape and the distribution of rock art throughout the site are analysed using a combination of GIS and 3D modelling. This analysis makes it possible to gain an understanding of the factors behind the location and distribution of rock art on different spatial scales. The interpretation presented here suggests that this rock art reproduces, on a modest local scale, patterns of production of Inka landscapes of control and dominion that have been recognised elsewhere, in sites with a much more obvious monumental scale. The internal organisation of the site mimics, on a small scale, forms of interaction with the wider landscape that have been regionally observed, making up what can be described as a fractal landscape.

Rock art. North-western Argentina. Periodo de Desarrollos Regionales. Inka period. Spatial Analysis. Connectivity. Visibility. GIS.