Abstract

Recent archaeological surveys and excavations in the pampa of the Atacama Desert in the Antofagasta region, Chile, have identified several ancient pigmentary mines. This paper presents the main characteristics of seven iron oxide and gypsum mines exploited by hunter-gatherers and fisher groups from the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Fourteen radiocarbon dates indicate that mineral extraction persisted over 10,000 years, confirming the importance of mining practices for obtaining pigment throughout the color economy. We then provide insight into the mining organization and mining-related activities developed by these groups, further improving the knowledge of this ancient South Andean practice. © 2025 The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. All rights reserved.