Diaguita

Indian peoples of South America, formerly inhabiting northwestern Argentina and the Chilean provinces of Atacama and Coquimbo. They are characterized by distinctive ceramic complexes. Two principal subgroups have been defined - the Argentinian, on the eastern side of the Andes and the Chilean, on the western side - which have some cultural traits in common: funerary practices, use of bronze, and probably language. The Calchaquí, the Argentinian subgroup, farmed terraced fields, built irrigation canals, and kept herds of llama. They did loom weaving of llama-wool textiles, which they dyed; basket making; and had a rather elaborate ceramic industry. Metallurgy was also known. Religious beliefs involved shamanistic practices for the cure of illness felt to be caused by witchcraft. Polychrome funerary urns were used for burial for children; adult burials were stone-lined pit inhumations. The Chilean Diaguita ceramics are, on the whole, smaller and more delicately decorated. Influence from the north (Tiahuanaco in the early stages and Inca later) is also apparent. Petroglyphs are common throughout the Diaguita area. The earliest date for Diaguita is c 900 AD and it continued till the Spanish Conquest.

A cultural group of the southcentral Andes characterized by distinctive ceramic complexes. Two principal sub-groups have been defined: the Argentinian, on the eastern side of the Andes and the Chilean, centred on the western side. Although they have some cultural traits in common (funerary practices, use of bronze and probably language), there are grounds for regarding them as being only marginally related. Argentine Diaguita replaces Aguada in the Valliserana region. The new pottery tradition (Colchaqui) is distinguished by its introduction of new motifs, such as stylized reptiles, avia and humans, and is characterized by its polychrome funerary urns — the preferred method of burial for children; adult burials were stone-lined pit inhumations. Chilean Diaguita ceramics are, on the whole, smaller and more delicately decorated. In its later stages especially, new forms make their appearance, for instance shoe- or duckshaped vessels and bird effigy jars. Influence from the north (Tiahuanaco in the early stages and Inca later) is also apparent. Petroglyphs are common throughout the Diaguita area, but it is doubtful whether they are related to the ceramic tradition. The early date for Diaguita is c900 ad and it continued into Conquest times, at which time forced relocation of the natives dispersed the tradition. Diana. A site on the island of Lipari, one of the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, which has given its name to a local Final Neolithic culture, with dates in the early 4th millennium bc. Diana had a very distinctive pottery with a glossy red slip and splayed lugs or tubular handles, which has also been found on Sicily and mainland Italy. The Diana culture is associated with the last phase of intensive exploitation of the Lipari obsidian source.