Session 1 (morning):

• Earliest evidence of the use of metals.
• Chronology and regions.
• Case study: Northwestern Argentina.
• Local innovation and development.
• Metals and alloys employed.
• Technologies for mining, metallurgy and metalworking during pre-Columbian times and Colonial period.

Session 2 (afternoon):

• Social complexity and metals.
• Labour organization.
• Ore provenance and circulation.
• New lines of research.
• The case of the Inca State.
• Different strategies and policies.
• Local communities’ responses.