Primeras investigaciones bioarqueológicas en la capilla San José de Lules (Tucumán, Argentina)

This paper presents the results of the first bioarchaeological analysis of the sample of human remains recovered through a rescue excavation at the historic site of Capilla San José de Lules (Tucumán, Argentina). The information obtained regarding quantification indexes (NISP, MNE, MAU, MAU%, and MNI), demographics (sex and age), and taphonomy of the recovered sample is described and discussed. All anatomical regions are represented, with no significant variations observed in bone frequencies. A MNI of 11 individuals was estimated (five probable females, one male, and five of indeterminate sex), with ages ranging from 2 to 40 years. The overall state of bone preservation is regular and good, with low frequencies of bone deterioration and markers of the action of natural agents (roots, post-depositional fractures, rodents, and carnivores). A low percentage of skeletal completeness was also observed in all individuals. The excavation plans and photographs made it possible to establish that four burials were inhumed in a primary position. The importance of this work lies in the revaluation of disturbed samples of bone and dental remains recovered during rescue archaeology, since although in recent years such assemblages have begun to receive more attention, research still generally prioritizes the analysis of relatively undisturbed, complete bodies.