Ciénaga: Archaeological Sites and Pilgrimage Tradition

Two very different themes are central to a trip to Ciénaga: the archaeological sites of La Ciénaga de Arriba and a pilgrimage to Asampay in 2026. Archaeologically, the focus is on terrain, enclosures, a small mound, and artifacts. The pilgrimage, by contrast, is a specific religious event. This distinction helps keep archaeological interpretations separate from the pilgrimage’s events, which took place at a specific time.

Archaeological Sites and Their Features

Cerrito Colorado at La Ciénaga de Arriba has rugged terrain and deep ravines. Access is very difficult on its western and northern sides. Nineteen enclosures have been identified there, all isolated from one another. The number indicates how many enclosures were identified; their isolated arrangement is a separate feature. Cerrito can therefore be understood not only through its landscape, but also through the structure of its built features.

The Montículo de La Ciénaga de Arriba differs from this: it is a small mound about four meters high and has no associated enclosures. An access ramp and a mortar on its summit are also among its features. The comparison highlights different forms: at Cerrito, attention is focused on the enclosures isolated from one another; at the Montículo, on the single mound with the mortar on its summit.

Interpretations of Cerrito Colorado

Cerrito Colorado is interpreted as a protected settlement based on its elevated location, visibility, inaccessibility, and certain defensive features. These defensive features include walls and parapet-like embankments, which are associated with physical and symbolic restrictions on access. The interpretation is therefore not based on a single wall: terrain, visibility, and architectural features together form the basis for it.

A further proposal should be distinguished from this: Cerrito may have been inhabited temporarily when residents of the surrounding area felt threatened. The two statements differ in scope: one interprets landscape and defensive features, while the other considers possible use in a threatening situation.

Barreales and Archaeological Context

The Barreales of La Ciénaga de Arriba, also known as Casas Viejas, are another archaeological focus. They contain concentrations of late-period ceramic and stone materials. Cerrito Colorado is classically assigned to Phase II of the Belén culture. These are different kinds of findings: at the Barreales, the focus is on ceramic and stone materials; at Cerrito, on a cultural attribution and an archaeological interpretation of the site. It is therefore useful to distinguish material type from cultural attribution: ceramic and stone refer to specific material groups, while Phase II identifies Cerrito’s cultural classification.

Pilgrimage to Asampay

In 2026, a pilgrimage went from La Ciénaga de Arriba to Asampay. Participants walked while praying and singing to honor Blessed Mamerto Esquiú. A Mass was celebrated upon their arrival. The event combined a journey between two localities with communal prayer and a Mass at the destination; the year refers to this specific event.

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