Pucará de Tilcara

The Pucará de Tilcara: A Pre-Inca Fortress in the Argentine Andes

The Pucará de Tilcara stands as a testament to the ingenuity and strategic prowess of the pre-Inca civilizations in the Argentine Andes. Located on a hill just outside the small town of Tilcara, in the province of Jujuy, this ancient fortification offers a window into the past, revealing the complex social, military, and religious practices of the indigenous peoples of the region.

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Strategic Importance and Architectural Features

The choice of location for the Pucará de Tilcara was no accident. Positioned on a hill, the site provided a naturally defensible position with expansive views over the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a critical factor for surveillance and defense against potential invaders. The fortification covered an area of approximately 15 acres and was home to over 2,000 inhabitants at its zenith. The architecture of the pucará is characterized by small square stone buildings, which featured low doorways and lacked windows, indicative of the defensive priorities of its inhabitants. The complex also included corrals for animals, ceremonial sites, and burial grounds, underscoring the multifaceted nature of life within the fortification.

Historical Significance

The Pucará de Tilcara was originally constructed by the Omaguaca tribe around the 12th century AD. Renowned for their skills in agriculture, weaving, pottery, and warfare, the Omaguaca established the pucará as a vital administrative and military center. The arrival of the Incas in the late 15th century under Tupac Inca Yupanqui marked a new chapter in the history of the pucará, as it was repurposed as a military outpost and a hub for securing valuable metal resources from nearby mines. This Incan dominance was short-lived, however, ending with the Spanish conquest in 1536.

Rediscovery and Preservation

The Pucará de Tilcara was rediscovered in 1908 by ethnographer Juan Bautista Ambrosetti and his student Salvador Debenedetti. Their efforts, along with subsequent work by Eduardo Casanova and others, have led to the excavation, cataloging, and partial reconstruction of the site. Declared a National Monument in 2000, the Pucará de Tilcara now serves as a publicly accessible archaeological site, offering insights into the pre-Hispanic occupation that spanned over half a millennium.

The Museum and Botanical Garden

Adjacent to the archaeological site, a museum houses over 5,000 historical pieces from various indigenous cultures, although the once-exhibited mummified body from the Atacama Desert is no longer on display. The museum’s collections span a wide range of cultural artifacts, from ceramics of the Nazca, Mochica, and Chimú Indians to items from the Spanish Conquest and the ancient fortification itself. A botanical garden featuring native cactus species further enriches the visitor experience, providing a glimpse into the natural environment of the region.

Conclusion

The Pucará de Tilcara is more than an archaeological site; it is a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity for the indigenous peoples of Northwestern Argentina. Its strategic design, rich history, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and study the site make it an invaluable resource for understanding the complex tapestry of pre-Columbian life in the Andes. As the only archaeological settlement in the Quebrada de Humahuaca open to tourists and educational visits, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the Omaguaca tribe, the Inca Empire, and the early Spanish colonial period.

At a glance

Country: Argentina

Civilization: Omaguaca (Diaguita culture)

Age: 12th century AD

Sources:
Wikipedia
Huhuhuy