First provenance studies using lead isotopes and elemental analysis on archaeological copper metal and minerals in the Puna of Jujuy and the eastern slopes of Santa Victoria, Salta, Argentina

Abstract

This paper presents the first copper ore provenance study in Northwestern Argentina using lead isotope and elemental analyses on twenty-two samples of copper objects, smelted copper, and minerals from archaeological sites in the Puna of Jujuy and the eastern slopes of the Santa Victoria mountains. The study addresses two main questions: the potential sources of copper used by local inhabitants, and whether finished objects, prills, and minerals found at the sites share the same origins. The results suggest that copper ores for metallurgy in both areas were most likely derived from Province IIIa deposits, either from local sources or from nearby regions such as the Humahuaca ravine or the Bolivian highlands. Lead isotope data exclude Province I ores from northern Chile as potential sources of copper for metallurgy in the study area. However, two copper minerals from Moreta (Jujuy) could be linked to the Taca-Taca mine in the Puna of Salta or to deposits in northern Chile (Collahuasi or Chulacao). These minerals may have been used in ritual offerings placed in mountains or along transit routes. Overall, the results suggest that metallurgy and mineral ritual offerings may have involved distinct spheres of copper ore circulation and provenance.

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