Abstract

The first results of the traceological study of incised decoration manufacture in southern Chile are presented, based on the potsherd assemblage from a site in the Araucania Region. We propose an experimentation methodology that recreates the minimum decorative units recorded archaeologically at a regional level, along with a protocol for microscopic analysis of traces left by the production of the decoration. This analysis of traces is tested on the incised sherds of San Miguel de Renaico 5 site, linking specific traces with techniques employed for the different motives.