Between cebiles plants, caves and paintings : a view of the anthropomorphic aesthetics of the rock art of La Tunita, Catamarca, Argentina

In this paper we offer an initial approximation to the aesthetics of the pre-Hispanic rock art of La Tunita archaeological site in the Sierra de Ancasti (Catamarca Province, NW Argentina). First we analyze the anthropomorphic paintings from morphological, contextual and material perspectives and then examine different interpretations of the role these figures may have played in producing certain sensory experiences during ritual activities held at the site. Finally, we suggest that the rock art of La Tunita resulted from the planned collective preparation and creation of the paintings, with due consideration for the elements that could have interfered with, enhanced or changed their aesthetic effect. [Publication abstract]