Abstract

The present study proposes to emphasize the role of charcoal analysis as an interdisciplinary bridge between archaeology and natural science, enabling new dialogues for the understanding of the relation between human communities and their ecosystems. The results obtained from the analysis of vegetable charcoal from 4 different archaeological sites coming from different geographical spaces, chronologies and use, are exposed. In this context the archaeobotanical analysis of domestic sites (Santa Julia), ritual sites (Labranza and Millahuillin) and historical fire (Cathedral of Santiago) is presented. These investigations are completed with an analysis of non-burnt wood coming from the site Millahuillin 1 and Cathedral of Santiago, thus approaching the botanical and cultural heritage of Chile.