This paper analyzes mineral samples classified as "pigments" (Wolters F. m.s.) found in funerary contexts at the cementery of La Aguada (Depto. de Belén, Prov. de Catamarca). These materials are part ofthe Colección Benjamín Muñiz Barreto from the Museo de La Plata and were recoveredfrom afew ofthe two hundred tombs thatwere excavated. Se venteen "pigment" samples were recovered in twelve funaray units, some of them show evidence of having been shaped into breadlike forms. A contextual analysis of the tombs containing pigments was conducted. The pigments underwent mineralogic and chemical analyses in order to determine composition and possible source. This study purports to unmask a stage within the operative sequence ofceramic manufacture, as well as recovering the meaning ofthe presence ofthe analysed materials in this type ofcontext.