These structures on the puna edge appear to be pastoral facilities containing the bases of walls formed by rocks between 30 cm and 100cm in size that create a circular or elliptical enclosure. The area will often contain smaller enclosures that probably served more specifically as corrals, subdividing the protected area. These corrals might be occupied simultaneously or sequentially, and could contain individual herder's animals, or they may segregate the herd into sex and age categories as a part of pastoral management strategies (Flannery, et al. 1989;Flores Ochoa 1968). The presence of such large rocks at the base of these walls is perhaps explained by the need to keep small animals, such as young camelids, inside and the need to keep small predators out. Modern herder-built walls are often solidly constructed along the base and only along the top of the wall do smaller rocks get used.

These wall bases could be the remnants of corrals used by seasonal residents of this rich pasture region, or if they were used by passing caravans, the corrals could have been important facilities as part of a multi-day rest stop for caravans (Lecoq 1988: 185-186;Nielsen 2000: 461-462, 500-504;West 1981: 70).