Las Ánimas complex is an archaeological culture of northern Chile considered to be the immediate precursor to the Diaguita culture.[1][2] The culture developed in the Chilean region of Norte Chico between 800 and 1000 CE.[1] Prior to Las Ánimas complex, an archaeological culture known as El Molle complex existed in Norte Chico from 300 to 700 CE.[1]
Pottery recovered from Las Ánimas complex has linear designs painted with white, red or black.[2] The black colour derives from specular hematite.[2]
Las Ánimas complex has the earliest evidence for copper metallurgy in Norte Chico.[3]
A 2014 paleomagnetic and geochronologic study on the Sierra de las Ánimas complex found that the complex was erupted around 578 Ma and did not extend into the Cambrian.[4]
