Mortuary variability and health in La Jagua, Alto Magdalena, Colombia and its implications for the Recent period

Abstract

In La Jagua, Garzón, Huila a pre-Hispanic cemetery was excavated with a predominance in the occupation of the Recent that can contribute to the discussion about social c hange a nd i ts influence on the living conditions of the pre-Hispanic population. Likewise, it serves to evaluate the hypotheses of the chroniclers a bout the existence of “barbarism, cannibalism and a state of permanent war” in indigenous contact societies (López, 1570/1970). To this end, a multivariate statistical analysis of 338 tombs corresponding to the Preceramic, Formative, Regional Classic in order to assess social variation in time and space. A s a result, there is spatial differentiation between the high terrace that concentrates most of the deep tombs of well and chamber with sumptuous objects, with the middle terrace whose tombs are simpler. Chronologically, the continuity of the tradition of the monticular tombs that cover the body with medium-sized boulders is appreciated since the Preceramic, very different from that recorded in San Agustín-Isnos. In the Recent, despite the greater social differentiation, there is no evidence of a large accumulation of goods or in health indicators, although it is by sex. Likewise, the analysis of the pattern of injuries does not corroboratethe existence of cannibalism or permanent war.