- Mobility/Mobilities, Zooarchaeology, Mass extinctions, Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, Lithic Technology, Lithics, and 7 moreFlint (Archaeology), Lithic Raw Material Sourcing, Prehistoric Archaeology, South American Archaeology, Arqueología de Patagonia, Patagonia, and Comunicación y divulgación de la cienciaedit
In this paper, we integrate different lines of archaeological evidence to generate a model of early human peopling for the Central Pampean Dunefields (an aeolian system of central Argentina), based on several sites found in the area. The... more
In this paper, we integrate different lines of archaeological evidence to generate a model of early human peopling for the Central Pampean Dunefields (an aeolian system of central Argentina), based on several sites found in the area. The first traces of human occupations date back to ∼10,000 calendar years ago, and they correspond to burials. During the middle Holocene, the archaeological signal increases and subsistence included a wide variety of faunal resources. The archaeological evidence is representative of hunter-gatherer adaptations to semi-arid landscapes, which involved high residential mobility, broad-spectrum foraging, and an elevated degree of technological flexibility. We also discuss the lack of occupations in the Central Pampean Dunefields during the late Pleistocene, when neighboring areas were already inhabited.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Zooarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Aeolian Geomorphology, and 9 moreLithic Technology, Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene, The peopling of the Americas, Early peopling of America, Middle Holocene, Human remains in Archaeology, Semiarid Ecosystems, and Early Modern Humans
En este trabajo se da a conocer el estado de avance de las investigaciones arqueológicas en el Sistema Lagunar Hinojo-Las Tunas (región pampeana, área Oeste). Se definen las principales características del escenario ambiental y se... more
En este trabajo se da a conocer el estado de avance de las investigaciones arqueológicas en el Sistema Lagunar Hinojo-Las Tunas (región pampeana, área Oeste). Se definen las principales características del escenario ambiental y se presentan los primeros resultados de las diferentes líneas de investigación estudiadas en los sitios La Susana 1 y Huencú Nazar, las cuales incluyen análisis
cronológicos, geológicos, tecnológicos, de subsistencia y estrategias de movilidad y asentamiento. Los sitios estudiados representan ocupaciones de cazadores-recolectores ubicadas en la transición
entre el Holoceno temprano-medio (La Susana 1) y el Holoceno tardío (Huencú Nazar). Los mismos se localizan en sectores con fuentes de agua dulce, las cuales se distribuyen de modo heterogéneo en el espacio y en el tiempo, según los ciclos de excesos y déficit hídrico que caracterizan al clima actual de la región pampeana. De esto modo, se plantea la existencia de cambios en las intensidades de la ocupaciones humanas en el Sistema Lagunar Hinojo-Las Tunas durante los periodos
paleoclimáticos húmedos y áridos del Holoceno. El análisis de la tecnología lítica permite sostener que la dinámica poblacional en la microregión involucró varios vectores espaciales (i.e. sur, norte, oeste y este). Por último, las arqueofaunas estudiadas muestran una economía orientada al aprovechamiento del guanaco (Lama guanicoe).
cronológicos, geológicos, tecnológicos, de subsistencia y estrategias de movilidad y asentamiento. Los sitios estudiados representan ocupaciones de cazadores-recolectores ubicadas en la transición
entre el Holoceno temprano-medio (La Susana 1) y el Holoceno tardío (Huencú Nazar). Los mismos se localizan en sectores con fuentes de agua dulce, las cuales se distribuyen de modo heterogéneo en el espacio y en el tiempo, según los ciclos de excesos y déficit hídrico que caracterizan al clima actual de la región pampeana. De esto modo, se plantea la existencia de cambios en las intensidades de la ocupaciones humanas en el Sistema Lagunar Hinojo-Las Tunas durante los periodos
paleoclimáticos húmedos y áridos del Holoceno. El análisis de la tecnología lítica permite sostener que la dinámica poblacional en la microregión involucró varios vectores espaciales (i.e. sur, norte, oeste y este). Por último, las arqueofaunas estudiadas muestran una economía orientada al aprovechamiento del guanaco (Lama guanicoe).
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Resumen El Holoceno Medio en valles fluviales del sudeste pampeano: ¿Escasez de sitios o de unidades portadoras? Una perspectiva geoarqueológica The Middle Holocene in the fluvial valleys in the southeastern pampas. Shortage of sites or... more
Resumen
El Holoceno Medio en valles fluviales del sudeste pampeano: ¿Escasez de sitios o de unidades portadoras? Una perspectiva geoarqueológica The Middle Holocene in the fluvial valleys in the southeastern pampas. Shortage of sites or carrier units? A geoarchaeological perspective Resumen En este trabajo se presenta el estudio estratigráfico y cronológico de siete sitios arqueológicos localizados en las cuencas de los arroyos Cortaderas, Cristiano Muerto y Tapalqué (provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). El objetivo es evaluar si la ausencia y/o baja representación de unidades estratigráficas del Holoceno medio en estos cursos de bajo orden está condicionando la señal arqueológica en el sudeste pampeano. Los resultados indican que los depósitos correspondientes a este período resultan escasos y que, con frecuencia, existen discordancias erosivas entre las unidades datadas en el Holoceno tardío y aquellas correspondientes al Pleistoceno tardío u Holoceno temprano sobre las que apoyan. Este hecho también se observa en sitios localizados en otros cursos fluviales de bajo orden del sudeste pampeano. En consecuencia, la baja señal arqueológica del Holoceno medio en muchos valles puede deberse, al menos en parte, a este sesgo estratigráfico. Adicionalmente, los suelos/paleosuelos desarrollados en estas secuencias de planicie aluvial concentraron la evidencia cultural, lo cual genera una imagen de pulsos de ocupación humana y de hiatos arqueológicos que podría considerarse principalmente un resultado de la dinámica fluvial. Tal panorama estratigráfico en los cursos de bajo orden no sólo es válido para la región analizada sino que posee implicaciones para secuencias fluviales de numerosos valles en Argentina.
Abstract
In this paper, the study of the stratigraphy and chronology of seven archaeological sites located in the streams Cortaderas, Cristiano Muerto and Tapalqué (province of Buenos Aires, Argentina) is presented. The aim of this study is to evaluate if the absence and/or low representation of the geological deposits corresponding to the Middle Holocene in these low-order streams is conditioning the archaeological signal in the southeastern pampas. Our results show that deposits corresponding to this time period are scarce and that erosional uncorformities between Late Holocene and Late Pleistocene or Early Holocene units are common. Besides, this situation is observed in sites located in other low-order streams in the southeastern pampas. Thus, the low archaeological signal for the Middle Holocene in many fluvial valleys could be the result, at least in part, of this stratigraphic bias. Furthermore, the soils/ paleosoils developed in the fluvial sequences have condensed the cultural evidence. This generates an image of periods of more intense human occupation and archaeological hiatus that could be the result of the fluvial dynamics. This stratigraphic scenario in low-order streams is valid not only for the studied area but also has implications for the chronology and preservation of archaeological sites in fluvial sequences in many valleys in Argentina.
El Holoceno Medio en valles fluviales del sudeste pampeano: ¿Escasez de sitios o de unidades portadoras? Una perspectiva geoarqueológica The Middle Holocene in the fluvial valleys in the southeastern pampas. Shortage of sites or carrier units? A geoarchaeological perspective Resumen En este trabajo se presenta el estudio estratigráfico y cronológico de siete sitios arqueológicos localizados en las cuencas de los arroyos Cortaderas, Cristiano Muerto y Tapalqué (provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). El objetivo es evaluar si la ausencia y/o baja representación de unidades estratigráficas del Holoceno medio en estos cursos de bajo orden está condicionando la señal arqueológica en el sudeste pampeano. Los resultados indican que los depósitos correspondientes a este período resultan escasos y que, con frecuencia, existen discordancias erosivas entre las unidades datadas en el Holoceno tardío y aquellas correspondientes al Pleistoceno tardío u Holoceno temprano sobre las que apoyan. Este hecho también se observa en sitios localizados en otros cursos fluviales de bajo orden del sudeste pampeano. En consecuencia, la baja señal arqueológica del Holoceno medio en muchos valles puede deberse, al menos en parte, a este sesgo estratigráfico. Adicionalmente, los suelos/paleosuelos desarrollados en estas secuencias de planicie aluvial concentraron la evidencia cultural, lo cual genera una imagen de pulsos de ocupación humana y de hiatos arqueológicos que podría considerarse principalmente un resultado de la dinámica fluvial. Tal panorama estratigráfico en los cursos de bajo orden no sólo es válido para la región analizada sino que posee implicaciones para secuencias fluviales de numerosos valles en Argentina.
Abstract
In this paper, the study of the stratigraphy and chronology of seven archaeological sites located in the streams Cortaderas, Cristiano Muerto and Tapalqué (province of Buenos Aires, Argentina) is presented. The aim of this study is to evaluate if the absence and/or low representation of the geological deposits corresponding to the Middle Holocene in these low-order streams is conditioning the archaeological signal in the southeastern pampas. Our results show that deposits corresponding to this time period are scarce and that erosional uncorformities between Late Holocene and Late Pleistocene or Early Holocene units are common. Besides, this situation is observed in sites located in other low-order streams in the southeastern pampas. Thus, the low archaeological signal for the Middle Holocene in many fluvial valleys could be the result, at least in part, of this stratigraphic bias. Furthermore, the soils/ paleosoils developed in the fluvial sequences have condensed the cultural evidence. This generates an image of periods of more intense human occupation and archaeological hiatus that could be the result of the fluvial dynamics. This stratigraphic scenario in low-order streams is valid not only for the studied area but also has implications for the chronology and preservation of archaeological sites in fluvial sequences in many valleys in Argentina.
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The main goal of this paper was to highlight regional and temporal variation in the presence and exploitation of faunal resources from different regions of Argentina during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. Specifically, this... more
The main goal of this paper was to highlight regional and temporal variation in the presence and exploitation of faunal resources from different regions of Argentina during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. Specifically, this faunal analysis considered the zooarchaeological remains from all sites older than 7500 14C years BP. We included quantitative information for each reported species (genus, family, or order) and we used the number of identified specimens (NISP per taxon and the NISPtotal by sites) as the quantitative measure of taxonomic abundances. We estimated the taxonomic richness (Ntaxatotal and Ntaxaexploited) and the taxonomic heterogeneity or Shannon-Wiener index to consider dietary generalization or specialization, and used ternary diagrams to categorize subsistence patterns of particular sites or regions. The archaeological database is composed of 78 sites which are represented by 110 stratigraphic contexts. Our results demonstrate that although some quantitative differences between regions are observed, Artiodactyls (camelids and deer) were the most frequently consumed animal resource in Argentina. Early hunter-gatherers from Argentina did not follow a specialized predation strategy in megamammal. A variety in subsistence systems operating in parallel, with a strong regional emphasis according to specific environmental conditions which offered different resources and particular cultural trajectories is proposed.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed zooarchaeological study conducted on the bone assemblage from the Laguna Cabeza de Buey 2 site, located on the margins of a small shallow lake in the center of the Pampa grasslands... more
The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed zooarchaeological study conducted on the bone assemblage from the Laguna Cabeza de Buey 2 site, located on the margins of a small shallow lake in the center of the Pampa grasslands (province of Buenos Aires, Argentina). Taxonomic structure, taphonomic information, site formation processes, and subsistence strategies for different occupation events are described and discussed. At least three events of pre-Hispanic occupation (two in the Middle Holocene [6800 and 4150 14C years BP] and one in the Late Holocene) and one in Historical moments were identified. Human occupations are developed in relation to a shallow lake under a climate more arid during the Middle Holocene, which decreased up to the current environmental conditions; humid temperate. The camelid Lama guanicoe (guanaco) was always the most important economic resource during the three events of human occupation in the Holocene, followed by Ozotoceros bezoarticus (pampean deer) and, to a lesser extent, by three species of small armadillos (Chaetophractus sp., Zaedyus pichiy, and Tolypeutes matacus). In Historical times, modern domestic faunal remains (Equus caballus and Bos taurus) were exploited. A subsistence strategy focused on artiodactyls, mainly guanaco, allows suggesting certain specialization through time in the exploitation of animal resources by hunter-gatherer groups in the center of the Pampa grasslands, strategy that contrasts with what is recorded in other areas of the Pampean region.
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página dedicada a la investigación cientifica pluridisciplinaria de la zona andina de america del sur (peru, bolivia, colombia y ecuador).
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mirage Investigaciones arqueológicas en la cuenca superior del Arroyo Tapalqué (partidos de Olavarría y Benito Juárez, provincia de Buenos Aires). SeDiCI. Iniciar sesión. ...
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En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos del estudio taxonómico y tafonómico del conjunto arqueofaunístico de pequeños vertebrados de Campo Laborde (centro de los pastizales pampeanos, Buenos Aires, Argentina), un sitio... more
En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos del estudio taxonómico y tafonómico del conjunto arqueofaunístico de pequeños vertebrados de Campo Laborde (centro de los pastizales pampeanos, Buenos Aires, Argentina), un sitio interpretado como un locus de caza y procesamiento primario de un perezoso extinguido (Megatherium americanum) sobre las márgenes de un pantano del Holoceno temprano. Entre los taxones presentes predominan los roedores (Reithrodon auritus, Akodon cf. Akodon azarae, Ctenomys sp., Galea leucoblephara, Dolichotis patagonum y Lagostomus maximus) y, en menor medida, anuros, reptiles, aves, peces, dasipódidos y cánidos. El análisis tafonómico permitió establecer que buena parte de los restos de pequeños vertebrados fueron generados por la acción de lechuzas y búhos, mientras que en otros casos su incorporación se asoció con el aprovechamiento antrópico y con procesos
eto-ecológicos. El conjunto de pequeños vertebrados sugiere que el paleopantano formaba parte de ambientes de pastizales relativamente homogéneos, desarrollados bajo condiciones climáticas templadas, similares a las actuales, aunque con un mayor grado de aridez. La integración de la información con otras líneas de evidencia sugiere que posteriormente este microambiente habría sufrido un proceso de desecación.
eto-ecológicos. El conjunto de pequeños vertebrados sugiere que el paleopantano formaba parte de ambientes de pastizales relativamente homogéneos, desarrollados bajo condiciones climáticas templadas, similares a las actuales, aunque con un mayor grado de aridez. La integración de la información con otras líneas de evidencia sugiere que posteriormente este microambiente habría sufrido un proceso de desecación.
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The study of technological organization associated with hunter-gatherers groups has been one of the topics of greatest interest in the archaeological research of the Pampean region. In this sense, the aims of this paper were to interpret... more
The study of technological organization associated with hunter-gatherers groups has been one of the topics of greatest interest in the archaeological research of the Pampean region. In this sense, the aims of this paper were to interpret the role of the Cerro Largo Formation chert in the technological practices of
human groups and to discuss how this rock was used and transported in the center of the Humid Pampa sub-region during the Late Holocene. We will present the techno-morphological analysis on chert artifacts recovered from Boca de la Sierra workshop in order to identify how this stone was used at the beginning of its exploitation. Then, we will compare and discuss diverse chaînes operotoires on chert found in archaeological sites located at different distances from the sources. In Boca de la Sierra workshop, we recorded three initial forms of exploitation of the nodules. The Cerro Largo Formation chert had been transported from this workshop to other sites in the form of different kinds of partially and/or
totally decorticated cores, nodules, large flakes, and possibly tools. In those sites located at a short distance from the quarry workshops (Empalme Querandíes 1 and Laguna La Barrancosa 2) we observed complete chaînes operotoires organized through debitage, with low production of standardized blank and a high frequency of external flakes used as blank for the manufacture of different kinds of tools. In those sites located at a long distance from the quarry workshops (Laguna La Larga and Laguna Seca 2), we recorded chaînes operotoires developed almost entirely. Even though some expedient tools are recorded, the greatest maximization in the use of Cerro Largo Formation chert is remarkable. The high proportion of standardized, small and shaped tools, the identification of exhausted cores, the use of a bipolar technique, and the presence of resharpening flake edges show a curated technological strategy. Finally, the presence of complete chaînes operotoires close to the hills allow us to infer direct access to the outcrops and an easy acquisition of chert; whereas the features observed in the other sites indicate that
the chert acquisition was done by specific trips or by social exchange and interaction networks with other groups.
human groups and to discuss how this rock was used and transported in the center of the Humid Pampa sub-region during the Late Holocene. We will present the techno-morphological analysis on chert artifacts recovered from Boca de la Sierra workshop in order to identify how this stone was used at the beginning of its exploitation. Then, we will compare and discuss diverse chaînes operotoires on chert found in archaeological sites located at different distances from the sources. In Boca de la Sierra workshop, we recorded three initial forms of exploitation of the nodules. The Cerro Largo Formation chert had been transported from this workshop to other sites in the form of different kinds of partially and/or
totally decorticated cores, nodules, large flakes, and possibly tools. In those sites located at a short distance from the quarry workshops (Empalme Querandíes 1 and Laguna La Barrancosa 2) we observed complete chaînes operotoires organized through debitage, with low production of standardized blank and a high frequency of external flakes used as blank for the manufacture of different kinds of tools. In those sites located at a long distance from the quarry workshops (Laguna La Larga and Laguna Seca 2), we recorded chaînes operotoires developed almost entirely. Even though some expedient tools are recorded, the greatest maximization in the use of Cerro Largo Formation chert is remarkable. The high proportion of standardized, small and shaped tools, the identification of exhausted cores, the use of a bipolar technique, and the presence of resharpening flake edges show a curated technological strategy. Finally, the presence of complete chaînes operotoires close to the hills allow us to infer direct access to the outcrops and an easy acquisition of chert; whereas the features observed in the other sites indicate that
the chert acquisition was done by specific trips or by social exchange and interaction networks with other groups.
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Quarry workshops have an important economic, social, cultural, and symbolic role for past hunter-gatherer societies and the northwest Tandilia System would have represented a place of great cultural significance because human groups could... more
Quarry workshops have an important economic, social, cultural, and symbolic role for past hunter-gatherer societies and the northwest Tandilia System would have represented a place of great cultural significance because human groups could have exploited a huge diversity of rocks and minerals. The main objectives in this paper are to analyze different exploitation, production, and use strategies applied on chert and silicified dolomite quarry workshops, and to interpret diverse ways of transport and circulation of these lithic raw materials from procurement areas to other sites in the center of the Pampa grasslands during the Late Holocene. The studies done suggest several modes in raw materials selection in quarries, reduction strategies, tool manufacture, and rock circulation in the landscape. It is proposed that both raw materials could have been transported from workshops to other sites in the form of nodules, different kinds of partially and/or totally decorticated cores, large flakes, and possibly tools. With the reduction of residential mobility in hunter-gatherer groups during the Late Holocene, the most exploited rocks in the center of the Pampa grasslands were those located nearest the sites, such as chert from the Sierras Bayas hills. Two procurement strategies (embedded and special trips by using logistical mobility) could
have been applied on chert and silicified dolomite acquisition. On the other hand, human groups occupying territories far from quarries could have obtained them through social exchange and interaction networks.
have been applied on chert and silicified dolomite acquisition. On the other hand, human groups occupying territories far from quarries could have obtained them through social exchange and interaction networks.
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The extinction of Pleistocene megafauna and the role played by humans have been subjects of constant debate in American archeology. Previous evidence from the Pampas region of Argentina suggested that this environment might have provided... more
The extinction of Pleistocene megafauna and the role played by humans have been subjects of constant debate in American archeology. Previous evidence from the Pampas region of Argentina suggested that this environment might have provided a refugium for the Holocene survival of several megamammals. However, recent excavations and more advanced accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating at Campo Laborde site in the Argentinian Pampas challenge the Holocene survival of Pleistocene megamammals and provide original and high-quality information documenting direct human impact on the Pleistocene fauna. The new data offer definitive evidence for hunting and butchering of Megatherium americanum (giant ground sloth) at 12,600 cal years BP and dispute previous interpretations that Pleistocene megamammals survived into the Holocene in the Pampas.