Análisis distribucional de las estatuillas incaicas encontradas en el volcán Llullaillaco

We conducted a study of the distribution of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic inca figurines found in the tombs of three human bodies, at 6715 meters above sea level in the Llullaillaco (Salta-Argentina) volcano. These offerings were buried in an Inca ritual known as capacocha, by which were sealed and maintained partnerships between aboriginal communities and the state. The results of our study show a differential distribution between the bodies and anthropomorphic figurines, forming groups segregated without spatial relationship. This corroborates the ethnohistorical and archaeological information about the importance of figurines offered on many occasions without accompanying human remains. Finally, the distribution raises uncertainties as to the sequence of deposition of the offerings of the Llullaillaco volcano, suggesting the synchronicity of burials or a relatively short time between them.