Las técnicas de momificación artificial entre los cazadores, pescadores y recolectores del desierto de Atacama (Norte de Chile)

Abstract

In this presentation we describe the artificial mummification techniques used by archaic hunter fisher and gatherers of the Atacama desert in northern Chile, between 7.000 to 3.500 years B.P. These techniques reveal the social complexity achieved by these populations, which is reflected in a highly specialized technology, division of labor associated to resource acquisition and mortuary practices, settlement patterns with increasing levels of sedentarism, territoriality and clear evidences of violence and social tension.