La imagen de la lagartija en la iconografía prehispánica del Noroeste Argentino I: una propuesta tipológica

The analysis of Northwest Argentine Prehispanic iconography has been principally centeredon images of camelids, felines, serpent-like animals, and anthropomorphs. This paper seeks toanalyze the representation of a scarcely depicted and consequently little studied animal, thatof 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 archaeologicalliterature. Selected pieces from the Museo Nacional del Hombre and the Museo EtnograficoJ.B. Ambrosetti were also considered. In turn, all of these images were classified in respect oftheir general characteristics, as well as according to the morphological characteristics of theirheads, 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 lizardrepresentations was created. This allowed us to arrange the information collected, therebyproviding us with a usable methodological tool. Throughout the article, we also discuss theusefulness and scope of these types of approaches in archaeology.