112 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 146 
strongly contrasting with that during the previous period. In spite of 
this, it is difficult to describe a cultural common denominator for the 
entire area. In the western Puna (Chilean Atacamena), direct evi- 
dence of classic Tiahuanaco is evident in the form of objects of wood, 
metal, and pottery. Resemblances are so close as to suggest a Tia- 
huanaco colony in this area. In other regions, such as the Valles 
Transversales, there is no indication whatsoever of Tiahuanaco in- 
fluence. Identification of complexes representing the Middle Period 
depends here on well-defined archeological sequences and absolute 
dating. Finally, there are regions like the Valliserrana area in which 
direct evidence of Tiahuanaco contact is absent, but elements of tech- 
nology or art style seem indicative of Tiahuanaco influence. 
In the Valliserrana area, this period is in many respects a continu- 
ation of the previous one ; in other respects it presents notable differ- 
ences. The typical culture is Aguada (Gonzalez, 1961) ; the definitive 
stylistic element is the feline, represented on a majority of the ma- 
terial objects whether of pottery, metal, or wood. Associated are fre- 
quent representations of human beings, either warriors or individuals 
with sumptuous headdresses. The characteristic pottery is polychrome, 
usually black and red or purple on a buff or orange surface or a white 
slip. Also typical is a gray ware with incised decoration utilizing the 
same feline and anthropomorphic motifs found in the painted style. 
This latter ware can be derived from the earlier Cienaga pottery. From 
both the technical and artistic point of view, Aguada pottery at- 
tained a quality never surpassed in northwestern Argentina. 
The cemeteries of this period contain multiple flexed adult burials, 
often with rich grave offerings. Differences in these offerings imply 
marked differences in social position between the individuals during 
life. Urn burial of children, common during the previous period, has 
almost disappeared. 
The typical weapon was the atlatl. New technological elements in- 
clude the appearance of bronze, and mosaics of stone on wood or 
stone on stone. Conical and cylindrical stone spindle whorls make 
their appearance, although rectangular bone ones continue to be made. 
The settlement pattern seems to be similar to that of the previous 
period, although population density has apparently increased. 
It is difficult at present to trace the origin of Aguada, although the 
existence of strong outside influences cannot be disputed. The appear- 
ance of bronze and the forms of the metal tools point toward the Ti- 
ticaca Basin, and particularly toward Classic Tiahuanaco, but proof 
of such influence in the form of actual trade objects does not as yet 
exist. A number of Tiahuanacoid stylistic elements can be identified, 
