The long-term duration of landscape:

an approach to multi-temporality at La Paya, Calchaquí Valley, Salta

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to contribute to rethink the temporality of social landscape, which, based on our research experience in La Paya (Calchaquí Valley, Salta), has shown an intersection between past and present. Discussing the use of the concept of time in archeology, we propose a long-term perspective that goes beyond the arbitrary chronological approaches used in archaeology and other social sciences.

The progress in different lines of work in La Paya and its surroundings, which include strictly archaeological work, analysis of "ethnographic" materials and collaborative work with the Diaguita Kallchakí community of La Paya, allowed us to see a landscape made up of an infinity of elements, people, materials, temporalities and juxtaposed spaces, which are difficult to observe separately.

We believe that such approach can help us to overcome arbitrary chronological boundaries, enriching knowledge about this social landscape, and generating more open, plural and reflexive discussions. Also, this perspective has implications in the narratives generated by archeology, which may be in relation with the claims and social realities of the native communities that inhabit the territory.