Lizard images depicted in prehispanic iconography of Northwest Argentina I: a typological proposal

Abstract

The analysis of Northwest Argentine Prehispanic iconography has been principally centered
on images of camelids, felines, serpent-like animals, and anthropomorphs. This paper seeks to
analyze the representation of a scarcely depicted and consequently little studied animal, that
of the lizard. In this, our aim is to provide a typology that will enable us - in the near future -
to identify patterns in the manner these creatures are represented across time.
In this undertaking, we compiled a catalog of lizard images from the Argentine archaeological
literature. Selected pieces from the Museo Nacional del Hombre and the Museo Etnográfico
J.B. Ambrosetti were also considered. In turn, all of these images were classified in respect of
their general characteristics, as well as according to the morphological characteristics of their
heads, bodies, legs, and tails, as informed by the biological attributes of said reptiles.
Based on the variability observed, a typological approach for the analysis of lizard
representations was created. This allowed us to arrange the information collected, thereby
providing us with a usable methodological tool. Throughout the article, we also discuss the
usefulness and scope of these types of approaches in archaeology.