Landscapes and cultural heritage in dispute. Experiences with “La Aguada” community (Cachi, Salta, Argentina)

Abstract

Collective experiences propose a path for research in which scientific work and local knowledge can be combined to build new channels for dialogue. This paper presents the results of an archaeological survey processed by Geographical Information Systems and evaluates the impact caused by the advance of the productive and touristic neo[1]extractivism in the basin of Cachi river (province of Salta, Argentina) on the occupation and distribution of lands. The survey records show the modification of the productive and housing spaces, verified by the emergence of new hotels and the vine monoculture development, factors that impacted directly on the conservation of archaeological sites in the area. This socio-economic process implies transformations that pose the landscape as a disputed space that involves and questions the archaeological sites known as antigales in the local knowledge. These research tasks were marked by the dialogue with the indigenous communities that claim their territory and are part of an archaeological heritage joint management. This led to the construction of challenging collective practices that question the archaeological discipline and allow us to understand the current patrimonial situation framed in the conflict over the access to resources.