- Ethnobiology, Obsidian, Patagonia, Archaeology of, Niche Construction Theory, Desert Ecology, Radiocarbon Dating (Earth Sciences), and 100 moreAustralian Aboriginal art, Demographic archaeology (Archaeology), Palaeoanthropology, Subsistence systems (Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Australian Indigenous Archaeology, Taphonomy, Zooarchaeology, Cultural Transmission (Evolutionary Biology), Hunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Biogeography, Ecological Anthropology, Mobility (Archaeology), Hunter-Gatherers (Anthropology), Geoarchaeology, South America (Archaeology), Stable Isotopes, Evolutionary Anthropology, Ethnoarchaeology, Dual Inheritance Theory (Archaeology), Scientific explanation, Philosophy of Science, Rock Art, Mammal Extinctions, Cooperation and Conflict, Australian archaeology, Etnohistoria de Pampa y Patagonia, History of Anthropology, Ethnography of Patagonia, Radiocarbon, Site Abandonment (Archaeology), Geochronology & isotope Geology, Resilience Theory (in archaeology), Evolution and Human Behavior, Evolutionary Ecology, Collective Action, The peopling of the Americas, Formation of Archaeological Record, Arqueología, Stable oxygen isotopes in bioapatite, Rock Specialist Lagidium, Camelids zooarchaeology, South Asian Archaeology, Historical Ecology, Western Australia-History and Archaeology, Bayesian Radiocarbon Dating, Ecology, Climate Change, Paleoecology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Comparative Civilizations (Archaeology), Isotope Ecology, Comparative archaeology, 13C Isotopes, Camelids, guanaco (Lama guanicoe), Camélidos, Uses of Isotopes In Archeology, Vida De Un Arqueologo, Stable Isotopes In Archaeology, Southern Deserts Conference, South America Human Environment Interaction, Modelos Biogeograficos, PATAGONIA MERIDIONAL, Lama guanicoe, Isotopos En La Arqueologia, Isotopes In Archaeology, Evidencias Biogeograficas, Migration (Anthropology), Prehistoric Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution, Experimental Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Archaeological Science, Archaeological Theory, Lithic Technology, Andean Archaeology, Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, Ancient DNA Research, San Hunter Gatherers, Deserts, Provenance studies of archaeological material, Archaeological Chemistry, Value Theory, Academia.edu, Thermoluminescence Dosimetry, Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry, Stable isotope ecology, African Archaeology, Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Geological Science, J. R. R. Tolkien, Tolkien Studies, and Science Fiction and Fantasyedit
- I’m an archaeologist studying past societies from the southern Andes of Argentina and Chile. I'm interested in the de... moreI’m an archaeologist studying past societies from the southern Andes of Argentina and Chile. I'm interested in the development of comparative approaches to socio-demographic processes in different latitudinal bands of the Andes. At a larger scale, I'm involved in comparative projects for the southern continents. The issues that I'm currently studying include:
1. HUMAN PEOPLING of northwestern Patagonia (Neuquén, Argentina): biogeography and landscape use.
2. STRONTIUM ISOTOPES, scale of human societies and exceptional Andean journeys (Argentina and Chile).
3. OBSIDIAN ARCHAEOMETRY AND GEOARCHAEOLOGY: deconstructing complex lithic landscapes (Mendoza and Neuquén).
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Soy arqueólogo y trabajo en el estudio de sociedades pasadas de los Andes del sur en Argentina y Chile. Me interesa el desarrollo de enfoques comparativos a procesos socio-demográficos en diferentes latitudes de los Andes. En una escala más amplia, estoy involuceado en proyectos comparativos para los continentes del sur. Los principales temas que desarrollo actualmente son:
1. POBLAMIENTO HUMANO del noroeste de Patagonia (Neuquén, Argentina): biogeografía y uso del paisaje.
2. ISOTOPOS DE ESTRONCIO, escala de las sociedades humanas y viajes excepcionales en los Andes meridionales (Argentina y Chile).
3. ARQUEOMETRIA Y GEOARQUEOLOGIA DE OBSIDIANAS: deconstruyendo paisajes líticos complejos (Mendoza y Neuquén).edit
The timing for the evolution of the capacity to inscribe the landscape with rock art has global relevance. While this was an in-built capacity when Homo sapiens first colonized the Americas, the heterogeneous distribution of rock art... more
The timing for the evolution of the capacity to inscribe the landscape with rock art has global relevance. While this was an in-built capacity when Homo sapiens first colonized the Americas, the heterogeneous distribution of rock art shows that it was a facultative behavior arising under unknown socioecological conditions. Patagonia was the last region to be explored by humans. While its rock art is globally important, it remains largely undated by absolute methods. We report the earliest set of directly radiocarbon-dated rock art motifs from the archaeological site Cueva Huenul 1 (northwestern Patagonia, Argentina), starting at 8.2 thousand years before the present (ka B.P.), predating previous records by several millennia, and encompassing over 3 ka (~130 human generations). This mid-Holocene “rock art emergence” phase overlaps with extremely arid conditions and a human demographic stasis. We suggest that this diachronic rock art emerged as part of a resilient response to ecological stress by highly mobile and low-density populations.
Research Interests:
This paper presents the results of constructive techniques, space occupation patterns, chronology, lithic technology, ceramic technology and typology, camelid zooarchaeology, anthracology and studies of rock art from a group of... more
This paper presents the results of constructive techniques, space occupation patterns, chronology, lithic technology, ceramic technology and typology, camelid zooarchaeology, anthracology and studies of rock art from a group of archaeological sites in the Laguna del Diamante Natural Protected Area (Mendoza, Argentina). This area is located in the Cordillera Principal of the Andes and connects the upper Diamante and Maipo River Basins. Chronologically, the archaeological data are from the consolidation of the Inca occupation in the region. The studies demonstrate that the Inca state controlled this sector of the Andes in order to exploit an obsidian source and maintain a specialized trade network that linked the Central Valley in Chile with the eastern valleys of Uco and Jaurúa. Additionally, the rock art motifs allow us to infer a process of sacralization and appropriation of this landscape, which is dominated by the Maipo Volcano and the Diamante Lake.
This paper presents an analysis of plant resource procurement by prehistoric hunters-gatherers of northern Neuquén (Argentine Patagonia). Using the Cueva Yagui archaeological site as a case study, we assess regional strategies of... more
This paper presents an analysis of plant resource procurement by prehistoric hunters-gatherers of northern Neuquén (Argentine Patagonia). Using the Cueva Yagui archaeological site as a case study, we assess regional strategies of subsistence, mobility, and the circulation of information at different spatial scales. Cueva Yagui occupations date to between 8500 and 1800 cal BP, during which period the material record indicates that the site was used redundantly and intensively for multiple activities. To recover botanical materials we used manual flotation, which yielded not only plant macroremains but also large amounts of bone. Among the examined materials, two species were recognized: Sarcomphalus mistol (synonym of Ziziphus mistol) (ca. 98 %) and Schinus polygamus. In this context, the near-exclusive dominance of a non-local species invites us to reflect on the need to consider multiple models in our studies of regional mobility and subsistence during the late Holocene, as we attempt to understand the different forms of resource acquisition including a flexible diet and a diversified, seasonal use of the landscape.
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En este trabajo se presentan los últimos análisis arqueobotánicos del sitio Cueva Huenul 1, emplazado en el norte de la Provincia del Neuquén (noroeste de Patagonia, Argentina). La secuencia cronológica del sitio abarca en forma... more
En este trabajo se presentan los últimos análisis arqueobotánicos del sitio Cueva Huenul 1, emplazado en el norte de la Provincia del Neuquén (noroeste de Patagonia, Argentina). La secuencia cronológica del sitio abarca en forma discontinua desde la transición Pleistoceno-Holoceno hasta tiempos recientes. El objetivo es realizar un análisis diacrónico de las pautas de selección antrópica de especies y los patrones de procesamiento. Los resultados indican que los cazadores-recolectores utilizaron plantas disponibles localmente durante toda la secuencia ocupacional. Temporalmente, se observan cambios tanto a nivel de la diversidad de especies representadas como, en el caso específico del taxón Prosopis, en las pautas de procesamiento y consumo. Algunos taxones consumidos en el Holoceno tardío constituyen indicadores de estacionalidad y sugieren ocupaciones estivales en la cueva. Asimismo, se discuten datos sobre la presencia de especies domésticas en el registro, tales como Lagenaria sp. y Zea mays. Estos estudios se conectan con discusiones más amplias sobre la economía y organización espacial de las sociedades que habitaron el noroeste de Patagonia desde el poblamiento inicial.
Research Interests:
Nuestro objetivo es estudiar las estrategias de uso del espacio por parte de sociedades humanas móviles en un paisaje andino de Patagonia caracterizado por una marcada heterogeneidad topográfica, climática y ecológica (localidad de... more
Nuestro objetivo es estudiar las estrategias de uso del espacio por parte de sociedades humanas móviles en un paisaje andino de Patagonia caracterizado por una marcada heterogeneidad topográfica, climática y ecológica (localidad de Barrancas-Buta Ranquil, provincia del Neuquén, Argentina). Inicialmente, se analiza la estructura del paisaje desde una perspectiva biogeográfica, desarrollando un modelo de estacionalidad mediante sistemas de información geográfica. Nuestro enfoque dis-tribucional combina una prospección sistemática para caracterizar la estructura espacial del registro en superficie y eviden-cias que han sido obtenidas bajo otras estrategias de muestreo. Sobre la base de la distribución de artefactos líticos y cerámicos y de motivos rupestres, se evalúan patrones de intensidad ocupacional, diversidad funcional y circulación de infor-mación en sectores del espacio con propiedades biogeográficas diferentes. Los resultados sugieren una delimitación funcional del espacio en escala temporal promediada, en la cual los espacios intermedios habrían funcionado como lugares centrales desde donde se articulan movimientos logísticos hacia otros sectores del paisaje. Dado que la unidad de muestreo captura variación biogeográfica que se expresa en forma regional más amplia, el modelo de uso del espacio propuesto es relevante para la comprensión de la arqueología del noroeste de Patagonia en general.
Research Interests:
En el norte neuquino existen depósitos piroclásticos que contienen nódulos de obsidianas. Las investigaciones en la región dieron a conocer las principales fuentes utilizadas por las poblaciones que allí habitaron. Para profundizar el... more
En el norte neuquino existen depósitos piroclásticos que contienen nódulos de obsidianas. Las investigaciones en la región dieron a conocer las principales fuentes utilizadas por las poblaciones que allí habitaron. Para profundizar el conocimiento de cada fuente de obsidiana se adoptó un programa de estudio geoarqueológico y geoquímico. Así, se han descubierto nuevas ocurrencias de obsidianas, la más destacable de las cuales es la obsidiana Varvarco que aquí se presenta. Se dan a conocer los muestreos realizados en el valle del río Varvarco, su contexto geológico y geomorfológico, la presencia de obsidiana, el tipo de yacimiento, forma de presentación, distribución y abundancia. Luego, se describen las principales características observadas bajo microscopio petrográfico. Por último, se presentan los resultados de análisis geoquímicos de fluorescencia de rayos X y activación neutrónica. A partir de los primeros la obsidiana Varvarco se diferencia de la de Cerro Huenul, pero no de la obsidiana Maule 1 y 2. Los segundos análisis discriminan bien esta nueva obsidiana de las ya conocidas para Neuquén. Los resultados obtenidos permiten reinterpretar la disponibilidad de recursos líticos de buena calidad para la talla y revisar las interpretaciones de movilidad e interacción de poblaciones en esta región. Palabras Clave: Obsidiana; Varvarco; Geoquímica; Neuquén. Abstract In northern Neuquén there are pyroclastic deposits containing obsidian nodules. The researches in the region revealed the main sources used by the people that lived there. A program of geoarchaeological and geochemical study was adopted to extend the knowledge of each source of obsidian. Thus, new occurrences of obsidian have been discovered, the most notable of which is the Varvarco obsidian presented here. We present the samples points conducted in the valley of Varvarco river, its geological and geomorphological context, the presence of obsidian, the type of deposit, presentation form, distribution and abundance. Then, we described the main characteristics observed under a petrographic microscope. Finally, we present the results of X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation geochemical analysis. The Varvarco obsidian differs from that of Cerro Huenul, but not from the obsidian Maule 1 and 2 from the XRF. NAA discriminates well this new obsidian from those already known in Neuquén. The results obtained allow to reinterpret the availability of good quality lithic resources and to revise the interpretations of mobility and interaction of populations in this region.
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This introductory overview presents the frame of research and general goals of the special volume ''Archaeological Discontinuities: Comparative Frameworks for the southern hemisphere ". We begin by deconstructing archaeological... more
This introductory overview presents the frame of research and general goals of the special volume ''Archaeological Discontinuities: Comparative Frameworks for the southern hemisphere ". We begin by deconstructing archaeological discontinuities in terms of time and space in order to assess what sort of past phenomena are we dealing with when assessing discontinuities in different scales. It is one of our main contentions that we need theory and data connecting discontinuities as recorded on different analytical scales, thereby contributing to evaluate often-undescribed mechanisms that produce archaeological discontinuities. On this basis, we face the key task of deconstructing archaeological discontinuities from 'top to bottom', moving from the averaged material record that is visible in archaeological scale toward the short-term human decisions and interactions that, when occurring cumulatively, produce those discontinuities. Nevertheless, while an understanding of the short-term behavioral mechanisms and social agency behind discontinuities is necessary, it is certainly not sufficient for building a frame in which to make sense of the long-term record. Archaeological discontinuities recorded at different spatial scales require different explanatory mechanisms that can be connected hierarchically. The most productive analytical take here would be to move from the bottom to the top, building from the site or local scales to the regional and continental levels. This strategy provides a solid frame for assessing the genesis of discontinuities at different scales by disentangling the incidence of sampling deficiencies in the field, the selection of samples for chronometric dating, taphonomic biases, the reorganization of mobility and technology, local and regional abandon-ments, and actual demographic changes. We finish by selecting a few issues that we consider worthy of systematic comparative attention in the years to come. These issues impinge on different levels of theory and methods and can only be pursued with an interdisciplinary focus that encompasses not only archaeology but also ethnography, genetics, linguistics, paleoclimatology and paleoecology. We are convinced that there is much to learn from a comparative perspective in terms of structural similitudes in historical processes across regions and continents. The conceptual structure of a number of debates from South America, Africa, and Australia on is remarkably similar, notwithstanding important differences in terms of chronology and tempo. We look forward to international joint endeavors such as this one that help to formalize questions and data-collecting strategies for the southern drylands and beyond.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The present paper reports the first paleoparasitological results obtained from coprolites of fossil rodent middens and demonstrates the potential of rodent middens as a source of paleoparasitological evidences in South America. Ten fossil... more
The present paper reports the first paleoparasitological results obtained from coprolites of fossil rodent middens and demonstrates the potential of rodent middens as a source of paleoparasitological evidences in South America. Ten fossil rodent middens from northwestern Patagonia, Argentina, were studied. Five coprolites of each midden were fully processed, rehydrated, homogenized, subjected to spontaneous sedimentation, and examined through light microscopy. Eight of the 10 examined rodent middens contained parasite eggs. The eggs of parasites were assigned to Heteroxynema (Cavioxyura) viscaciae Sutton & Hugot, 1989 and Helminthoxys sp. (Nematoda: Oxyuridae), Trichuris sp. (Nematoda: Trichuridae) and one unidentified nematode. Fossil rodent middens were assigned to Lagidium viscacia (Caviomorph: Chinchillidae). The excellent preservation of parasite remains in coprolites from fossil rodent middens provided an opportunity to perform paleoparasitological inferences. The results of this papers demonstrates that fossil rodent middens offer an excellent opportunity for the recovery of parasite remains for future paleoparasitological studies in the southwest of South America.
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In this paper I present an intensively dated chrono-stratigraphic sequence for Cueva Huenul 1 archaeological site (Neuquén Province, Argentina), located in the inland deserts of northwestern Patagonia, which offers a remarkable temporal... more
In this paper I present an intensively dated chrono-stratigraphic sequence for Cueva Huenul 1 archaeological site (Neuquén Province, Argentina), located in the inland deserts of northwestern Patagonia, which offers a remarkable temporal record of events for a desert region largely unstudied. Then, I connect this local record with available data in a macro-regional scale to reassess (a) the timing of first human colonization and its implications for explaining the extinction of the megafauna (~14000-10000 years B.P.); and (b) the decreased intensity of human occupation recorded at several South American deserts during segments of the mid-Holocene (~8000-6000 years B.P.). The data presented here shows a ~1500 calendar years gap between humans and megafauna. A review of the evidence from northern Patagonia and southern Cuyo regions is consistent with this record, favoring ecological causes for regional extinction of megafauna taxa. Integration of this record with those indicating the earliest human presence in South America (v.g. Monte Verde locality) is consistent with a process of human radiation to the inland Patagonian deserts from nodes of initial occupation.
The chrono-stratigraphic sequence from CH1 also contributes to an assessment of a trough in human occupation along the South American Arid Diagonal around 8000-6000 years B.P. This low-intensity record includes the highland and lowland deserts from southern Mendoza, northern Mendoza and San Juan, the Puna region from northwestern Argentina, the Atacama Desert in Chile, and the possible case of the Pampean region. Previous researchers have suggested that persistent arid conditions would have produced an increasing process of landscape fragmentation affecting desert areas in particular. A more specific understanding of the underlying demographic processes behind this archaeological signal is needed. In this paper I suggest that this trough reflects not only spatial and organizational rearrangements, but also a macro-regional demographic retraction, which could have produced a population bottleneck with lasting biological and cultural spin-offs.
The chrono-stratigraphic sequence from CH1 also contributes to an assessment of a trough in human occupation along the South American Arid Diagonal around 8000-6000 years B.P. This low-intensity record includes the highland and lowland deserts from southern Mendoza, northern Mendoza and San Juan, the Puna region from northwestern Argentina, the Atacama Desert in Chile, and the possible case of the Pampean region. Previous researchers have suggested that persistent arid conditions would have produced an increasing process of landscape fragmentation affecting desert areas in particular. A more specific understanding of the underlying demographic processes behind this archaeological signal is needed. In this paper I suggest that this trough reflects not only spatial and organizational rearrangements, but also a macro-regional demographic retraction, which could have produced a population bottleneck with lasting biological and cultural spin-offs.
Research Interests: Demography, Archaeology, Anthropology, Paleoecology, South America (Archaeology), and 12 morePatagonia, Archaeology of, Paleodemography, Arqueología, Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene, The peopling of the Americas, South American Archaeology, Antropología, Arqueología de Patagonia, Pleistocene megafauna, Poblamiento americano, Bottleneck, and Antropologia
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Anthropology, Australian Indigenous Archaeology, Australia, and 10 moreDesert Ecology, Patagonia, Archaeology of, Arqueología, History of Archaeology, Australian archaeology, Patagonia, Comparative archaeology, Deserts, Late Glacial Archaeology, and Arqueología de Patagonia
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeology, Anthropology, Zooarchaeology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Bioarchaeology, and 25 morePaleoecology, Life history, Stable Isotopes, Trace element Geochemistry, Hunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Archaeometry, Subsistence systems (Archaeology), Isotopic Analysis, Hunter-Gatherers (Anthropology), Arqueología, Antropología, Isótopos estables, Paleoecología Humana, Hunter-Gatherers, Foragers, Trace Elements, Isotopic ecology, Stable Isotopes Principles, Análisis Isotópicos, Ecología Isotópica, Isótopos Y Arqueología, Isotopic Archaeology, Isotopes In Archaeology, Global Encyclopedia Archaeology, and Antropologia
BIOGEOGRAPHY, COMPETITION, AND SYMBOLIC DEMARCATION OF SPACE. Biogeography consists in the analysis of the behavior and distribution of organisms in the context of the landscape they inhabit. Here we present a biogeography-based... more
BIOGEOGRAPHY, COMPETITION, AND SYMBOLIC DEMARCATION OF SPACE. Biogeography consists in the analysis of the behavior and distribution of organisms in the context of the landscape they inhabit. Here we present a biogeography-based archaeological model for northern Patagonia considering information on current topography, climate, and ecology. The Patagonian landscape is stratified in high carrying capacity-areas, which are geographically circumscribed, and low carrying capacity-areas, not restricted spatially. We present expectations in terms of human occupational intensity, technological organization (place vs. individual oriented provisioning strategies), prevalence of competition processes, and symbolic demarcation of space (by means of rock-art and mortuary practices). Finally, we present a preliminary evaluation of the model for northern Neuquén Province.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Anthropology, Landscape Archaeology, Rock Art (Archaeology), and 21 moreCompetition, Biogeography, Lithic Technology, Patagonia, Archaeology of, Arqueología, Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, Patagonia, Arqueologia, Human biogeography, Antropología, Biogeografia, Carrying Capacity, Obsidians, Obsidian geochemistry, Modelos arqueológicos, Symbolic demarcation, Neuquén Archaeology, Biogeografía Humana, Biogeografía Humana, Biogeografía Humana, and Antropologia
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The well-known descriptions of two hunter-gatherer groups in southern Patagonia, the Aónikenk and the Kawéskar, led ethnographers to conclude that there were wide differences between terrestrial and maritime huntergatherer adaptations.... more
The well-known descriptions of two hunter-gatherer groups in southern Patagonia, the Aónikenk and the Kawéskar, led ethnographers to conclude that there were wide differences between terrestrial and maritime huntergatherer adaptations. Based on the concept of open social formations, and descriptions of mixed groups in the central Strait of Magellan, we believe that the two societies were more connected than is usually assumed. It seems more reasonable to conclude that these groups followed a regimen of visitation than it is to postulate the existence of a different ethnic unit—the Airre, Zapoliens, or Guaycurúes—as some have done. Archaeological evidence, especially that obtained in the zone of the morros and the central strait, can be used to suggest that similar interactions were probably taking place at least since circa 2000 B.P.
Research Interests:
We studied archaeological and paleontological small mammal samples from three sites at the southern tip of the Argentinean Patagonia (Orejas de Burro 1, Cóndor 1, and Puesto Pali Aike). These samples are all Late Holocene in age according... more
We studied archaeological and paleontological small mammal samples from three sites at the southern tip of the Argentinean Patagonia (Orejas de Burro 1, Cóndor 1, and Puesto Pali Aike). These samples are all Late Holocene in age according to radiocarbon dates and are basically composed by osteological remains of rodents. Taphonomical signatures suggest a mixed origin for these assemblages being the trophic activity of strigiform birds (owls) and humans the main accumulator agents. Recent rodent communities in southernmost mainland Patagonia are composed by eight rodent species, while in the fossils ones there are at least eleven. In overall terms, fossil rodent samples suggest environmental conditions similar to the present ones, with predominance of gramineous steppes and open, bare, rocky areas. These conditions were briefly interrupted by a cold-humid pulse around 1,200 years before present that allowed the eastern expansión of several rodents typically associated to western environments. Austral rodent communities seem to be basically stable during the last 3,500 years; by the contrary, the latest Holocene was a time of strong community reworking in northern and central Patagonia. The causes of these differences need further exploration.
Research Interests:
The introduction of stable isotopes in archaeological research beginning in the 1970s produced a revolution in the ways that several key anthropological issues were studied, including early hominin subsistence, hunter-gatherer spatial... more
The introduction of stable isotopes in archaeological research beginning in the 1970s produced a revolution in the ways that several key anthropological issues were studied, including early hominin subsistence, hunter-gatherer spatial organization, origins and history of farming and pastoralist societies, migrations, and intra- and inter-group social differentiation. As a tool suited for the quantitative reconstruction of paleodiets, bone chemistry provided a new and independent line of evidence that was readily integrated into ongoing discussions based on archaeofaunal and paleobotanical data (see van der Merwe, 1982; Ambrose, 1993). The impact that isotopic research has had in the field of archaeology is reflected in the ever-growing number of publications making use of isotopic analyses, and in the also growing number of volumes directed towards the integration of available results and perspectives of analysis (Sillen & Armelagos, 1991; Sandford, 1993; Bocherens et al., 1999; Ambrose & Katzenberg, 2000; Ambrose & Krigbaum, 2003; Koch & Burton, 2003; Staller et al., 2007).
The archaeology of South America was part of this process, presenting some early and excellent examples of isotopic research focused on the resolution of archaeological problems (e.g. Hastorf & De Niro, 1985; Burger & van der Merwe, 1990; Ubelaker, et al., 1995). However, most of the abundant research conducted during the last two decades below 20° S of latitude is not well represented in the international archaeological literature (although see Fernández et al., 1999; Gil, 2003; Yesner et al., 2003; Falabella et al., 2008). In this context, one of the main goals of this volume is to provide an updated review of the isotopic research conducted in southern South America, including cases from the Bolivian and Argentinean Puna or “Altiplano”, northwestern Argentina, the central-western Andean region of Argentina, the Pampas, Patagonia, and the Atlantic and Pacific marine coastlines. This set of papers is the product of a Workshop named “Arqueología e Isótopos Estables en el Sur de Sudamérica: Discusión e Integración de Resultados” that was held in the city of Malargüe (Mendoza province, Argentina) in 2005. This workshop was organized in the memory of Susana Valencio, a geochemistry researcher who had a substantial role in the introduction of stable isotopes in Argentinean archaeology, and who died unexpectedly in 2004, leaving a great void among her many friends and colleagues.
Current lines of research
Food availability, preparation, and consumption are basic parts of ancient societies. This volume is focused on the southern cone of South America, where both agriculturalists and hunter-gatherers existed into modern times, and where stable isotope analysis has been widely used in recent times. Foremost is work related with the development of stronger approaches to regional isotopic ecology (Llano; Yacobaccio et al.), methodological aspects regarding the application of stable isotopes to the reconstruction of subsistence and migrations (Tykot et al.; Knudson), introduction and impact of agriculture on Andean societies (Calo & Cortés; Gil et al.; Laguens et al.), adoption of pastoralist economies (Izeta et al.), spatial organization and territoriality of hunter-gatherer groups from the Pampas and Patagonia (Berón et al.; Borrero et al.; Martínez et al.; Tessone et al.), and integration of isotopic and bioarchaeological data (Suby & Guichón). Overall, the systematic use of stable isotopes in archaeological research in South America has fostered a reevaluation of some widely held views regarding, among other important subjects, the importance of maize in Andean societies and the amplitude of hunter-gatherer home ranges.
Research conducted from South America usually has to cope with strong budget restrictions that may impose limits in the size of the available isotopic sample. This has been variously tackled by developing long-term projects that allow gradual increases in the amount of information produced, or by integrating international research teams that provide external funding sources. Both strategies are represented in this volume. We believe that an exploratory framework of research provides the most productive strategy – in this or any other academic context – where specific questions are pursued even when we know that the factual basis is far from ideal. The key aspect is to be sensitive to the paths that need to be followed in order to identify stronger patterns and suggest more accurate explanations. We are confident that the set of fourteen papers that make up this volume is successful in presenting original strategies to cope with old problems, as well as in raising questions not foreseen.
A main concern shared by these papers is the integration of isotopic data with other lines of evidence, including archaeofaunal studies, health conditions and paleopathology as inferred from human remains, lithic distributions, paleobotany, and mortuary practices. This is an important virtue that generates the need to evaluate several theoretical and methodological levels in order to integrate data differing in terms of units of analysis, resolution, and formation history. This task broadens the spectrum of the discussions developed, making them valuable beyond the limits of stable isotopic research and transcending the geographical scope of South America.
The archaeology of South America was part of this process, presenting some early and excellent examples of isotopic research focused on the resolution of archaeological problems (e.g. Hastorf & De Niro, 1985; Burger & van der Merwe, 1990; Ubelaker, et al., 1995). However, most of the abundant research conducted during the last two decades below 20° S of latitude is not well represented in the international archaeological literature (although see Fernández et al., 1999; Gil, 2003; Yesner et al., 2003; Falabella et al., 2008). In this context, one of the main goals of this volume is to provide an updated review of the isotopic research conducted in southern South America, including cases from the Bolivian and Argentinean Puna or “Altiplano”, northwestern Argentina, the central-western Andean region of Argentina, the Pampas, Patagonia, and the Atlantic and Pacific marine coastlines. This set of papers is the product of a Workshop named “Arqueología e Isótopos Estables en el Sur de Sudamérica: Discusión e Integración de Resultados” that was held in the city of Malargüe (Mendoza province, Argentina) in 2005. This workshop was organized in the memory of Susana Valencio, a geochemistry researcher who had a substantial role in the introduction of stable isotopes in Argentinean archaeology, and who died unexpectedly in 2004, leaving a great void among her many friends and colleagues.
Current lines of research
Food availability, preparation, and consumption are basic parts of ancient societies. This volume is focused on the southern cone of South America, where both agriculturalists and hunter-gatherers existed into modern times, and where stable isotope analysis has been widely used in recent times. Foremost is work related with the development of stronger approaches to regional isotopic ecology (Llano; Yacobaccio et al.), methodological aspects regarding the application of stable isotopes to the reconstruction of subsistence and migrations (Tykot et al.; Knudson), introduction and impact of agriculture on Andean societies (Calo & Cortés; Gil et al.; Laguens et al.), adoption of pastoralist economies (Izeta et al.), spatial organization and territoriality of hunter-gatherer groups from the Pampas and Patagonia (Berón et al.; Borrero et al.; Martínez et al.; Tessone et al.), and integration of isotopic and bioarchaeological data (Suby & Guichón). Overall, the systematic use of stable isotopes in archaeological research in South America has fostered a reevaluation of some widely held views regarding, among other important subjects, the importance of maize in Andean societies and the amplitude of hunter-gatherer home ranges.
Research conducted from South America usually has to cope with strong budget restrictions that may impose limits in the size of the available isotopic sample. This has been variously tackled by developing long-term projects that allow gradual increases in the amount of information produced, or by integrating international research teams that provide external funding sources. Both strategies are represented in this volume. We believe that an exploratory framework of research provides the most productive strategy – in this or any other academic context – where specific questions are pursued even when we know that the factual basis is far from ideal. The key aspect is to be sensitive to the paths that need to be followed in order to identify stronger patterns and suggest more accurate explanations. We are confident that the set of fourteen papers that make up this volume is successful in presenting original strategies to cope with old problems, as well as in raising questions not foreseen.
A main concern shared by these papers is the integration of isotopic data with other lines of evidence, including archaeofaunal studies, health conditions and paleopathology as inferred from human remains, lithic distributions, paleobotany, and mortuary practices. This is an important virtue that generates the need to evaluate several theoretical and methodological levels in order to integrate data differing in terms of units of analysis, resolution, and formation history. This task broadens the spectrum of the discussions developed, making them valuable beyond the limits of stable isotopic research and transcending the geographical scope of South America.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Stable isotope ecology, Stable Isotope Analysis, and 24 moreBioarchaeology, Paleopathology, Hunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Agriculture, Osteoarchaeology, Biogeography, Isotope Ecology, Human Remains (Anthropology), Central & South America (Anthropology), Pastoralism (Archaeology), Mortuary archaeology, Arqueología, Musculoskeletal Stress Markers (MSM), Arqueologia, Strontium, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Antropología, Isotopos estables, Activity patterns, América del Sur, Rangos de acción, Long Bone Biomechanics, Arqueologia De Las Tierras Bajas Sudamericanas, and Maize agriculture
El tema central de este libro es el estudio de arqueológico de la organización geográfica de sociedades cazadoras recolectoras que habitaron ambientes de la costa y el interior de Patagonia meridional. A tal fin hemos realizado trabajos... more
El tema central de este libro es el estudio de arqueológico de la organización geográfica de sociedades cazadoras recolectoras que habitaron ambientes de la costa y el interior de Patagonia meridional. A tal fin hemos realizado trabajos arqueológicos intensivos en el interior del continente, particularmente en el campo volcánico Pali Aike (CVPA), conjuntamente con trabajos previos desarrollados en ámbitos de costa marina. Los trabajos realizados en el marco del Proyecto Magallania en diferentes regiones de Patagonia meridional (Borrero 1998) proveyeron los criterios geográficos para la elección del CVPA como una unidad de análisis adecuada para un tratamiento arqueológico intensivo. Los patrones arqueológicos observados en la escala espacial mayor, que incluye al CVPA, guiaron la definición de las preguntas que discutimos aquí.
Por su posicionamiento, adyacente a la costa septentrional del estrecho de Magallanes y a la costa atlántica, el CVPA es relevante para evaluar problemas geográficos tales como las formas de interacción establecidas por las poblaciones humanas entre los ambientes marinos y del interior del continente. Dado que este campo volcánico se caracteriza por una gran variabilidad geológica, geomorfológica y ecológica, cabe esperar que contenga un amplio espectro de variabilidad espacial en los indicadores arqueológicos de ocupación humana. Al integrar estos espacios del interior con las localidades costeras que los rodean, como Cabo Vírgenes, la desembocadura del río Gallegos y la costa norte del Estrecho, se define una unidad de análisis geográfico de gran amplitud. Consideramos que esta escala de análisis es adecuada para evaluar las propiedades de los rangos de acción y territorios de poblaciones de cazadores recolectores que pueden tener una dimensión espacial comparable.
Por su posicionamiento, adyacente a la costa septentrional del estrecho de Magallanes y a la costa atlántica, el CVPA es relevante para evaluar problemas geográficos tales como las formas de interacción establecidas por las poblaciones humanas entre los ambientes marinos y del interior del continente. Dado que este campo volcánico se caracteriza por una gran variabilidad geológica, geomorfológica y ecológica, cabe esperar que contenga un amplio espectro de variabilidad espacial en los indicadores arqueológicos de ocupación humana. Al integrar estos espacios del interior con las localidades costeras que los rodean, como Cabo Vírgenes, la desembocadura del río Gallegos y la costa norte del Estrecho, se define una unidad de análisis geográfico de gran amplitud. Consideramos que esta escala de análisis es adecuada para evaluar las propiedades de los rangos de acción y territorios de poblaciones de cazadores recolectores que pueden tener una dimensión espacial comparable.
Research Interests: Human Geography, Archaeology, Anthropology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Geoarchaeology, and 15 morePaleodiet, Paleoecology, Hunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Coastal and Island Archaeology, Biogeography, Patagonia, Archaeology of, Archaeological Methodology, Arqueología, Teoría Arqueológica, Arqueologia, Human biogeography, Isotopos estables, Biogeografia, Tesis, and Human use of volcanic landscapes
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El objetivo general de esta investigación es el análisis de la información de isótopos estables del Carbono y Nitrógeno sobre un conjunto de muestras de restos óseos humanos procedentes de Patagonia meridional continental. El espacio... more
El objetivo general de esta investigación es el análisis de la información de isótopos estables del Carbono y Nitrógeno sobre un conjunto de muestras de restos óseos humanos procedentes de Patagonia meridional continental. El espacio considerado abarca, aproximadamente, desde los 48°30´ S hasta los 54° S, entre los océanos Atlántico y Pacífico y el estrecho de Magallanes. Esta es una escala espacial suprarregional, ya que incluye distintas regiones usualmente consideradas en la bibliografía arqueológica. Nuestro interés principal radica en evaluar la distribución espacial de aquellas muestras que presentan un aporte variable de recursos marítimos en la dieta, razón por la cual tratamos fundamentalmente los rangos de variación dietaria asociados con la ubicación de dichas muestras en el espacio. Esta información nos permitirá discutir aspectos relacionados con los rangos de acción desplegados por las poblaciones humanas. Por otra parte, discutimos dimensiones paleodietarias más específicas con el fin de explorar vías futuras de complejización de nuestras reconstrucciones.
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Este trabajo se enmarca en un proyecto arqueológico recientemente iniciado en el extremo norte de la Provincia de Neuquén, Patagonia (Argentina). Este proyecto se estructura desde una perspectiva biogeográfica. Un primer paso para... more
Este trabajo se enmarca en un proyecto arqueológico recientemente iniciado en el extremo norte de la Provincia de Neuquén, Patagonia (Argentina). Este proyecto se estructura desde una perspectiva biogeográfica. Un primer paso para contextualizar el análisis zooarqueológico regional consiste en modelar las condiciones de estacionalidad imperantes en un paisaje con notables contrastes altitudinales. Sobre esta base, y centrando el foco de discusión en Lama guanicoe, que constituye el principal recurso, se generan expectativas para la importancia del consumo de distintas categorías etarias. Información ecológica y etológica disponible para guanaco contribuye a organizar el análisis. Se presenta una primera instancia de contrastación de estos aspectos biogeográficos mediante el estudio preliminar de los conjuntos faunísticos del sitio Cueva Huenul 1, con un rango cronológico de ocupaciones humanas que comienzan en torno a 9500 años 14C AP y se extienden hasta el Holoceno tardío.
La teoría de la evolución surge sobre la base de observaciones biogeográficas y los primeros desarrollos evolucionistas en la arqueología argentina surgen en un contexto de pensamiento semejante. Consideramos que un acercamiento... more
La teoría de la evolución surge sobre la base de observaciones biogeográficas y los primeros desarrollos evolucionistas en la arqueología argentina surgen en un contexto de pensamiento semejante. Consideramos que un acercamiento biogeográfico a la arqueología provee una instancia teórica de ‘rango medio’ compatible con (y necesaria para) la aplicación de marcos teóricos evolucionistas, tales como herencia dual y ecología evolutiva. En este trabajo presentamos modelos biogeográficos para Patagonia noroccidental, los cuales contemplan variables geográficas clave: vías de circulación, rugosidad del terreno y estacionalidad. Estos modelos tienen como objetivo central de análisis la arqueología del extremo norte de la provincia de Neuquén, y aplican en dos escalas espaciales complementarias. En una primera instancia de análisis supra regional se apunta a contextualizar la región a nivel geográfico en relación con espacios adyacentes: ¿Qué lugar ocupó el norte de Neuquén en el poblamiento humano de norpatagonia? En una segunda instancia, de carácter regional, se generan expectativas para sectores del norte neuquino con propiedades geográficas contrastantes. Estos modelos preliminares tienen la doble función de ofrecer un contexto para los primeros resultados obtenidos para la región, así como también guiar el desarrollo de trabajos futuros en el campo.
En este trabajo se presenta una síntesis de los resultados arqueológicos y paleoecológicos generados en el marco de un nuevo proyecto enfocado en el extremo norte de la provincia de Neuquén. En el largo plazo, estos datos contribuirán a... more
En este trabajo se presenta una síntesis de los resultados arqueológicos y paleoecológicos generados en el marco de un nuevo proyecto enfocado en el extremo norte de la provincia de Neuquén. En el largo plazo, estos datos contribuirán a evaluar modelos biogeográficos recientemente planteados para la macro región. El trabajo realizado se articula en escalas de región y localidad. En el primer nivel se presentan resultados preliminares de distribuciones de materiales líticos y cerámicos en superficie y de geoquímica de las obsidianas Huenul, que se encuentran localmente disponibles. En la escala más acotada presentamos resultados para el sitio Cueva Huenul 1, con ocupaciones humanas iniciales de 9500 años 14C AP. Se incluyen análisis crono estratigráficos, polínicos, tecnológicos y faunísticos. Se identifican interesantes cambios en las tasas de descarte de materiales arqueológicos durante el Holoceno. Las tendencias identificadas proveen la base para integrar el norte neuquino con las discusiones temporales y espaciales desarrolladas para regiones adyacentes (sur de Mendoza, centro oeste de La Pampa y centro de Neuquén).
La Arqueología moderna es una disciplina con una fuerte base interdisciplinaria que la vincula con múltiples disciplinas de las llamadas Ciencias Ambientales y de la Tierra. En este contexto, el objetivo central de esta asignatura... more
La Arqueología moderna es una disciplina con una fuerte base interdisciplinaria que la vincula con múltiples disciplinas de las llamadas Ciencias Ambientales y de la Tierra. En este contexto, el objetivo central de esta asignatura consiste en desarrollar un marco teórico y metodológico para estudiar la historia humana en relación con los sistemas ecológicos de los que forman parte. Así, se contribuye en forma directa a un estudio del planeta a partir del momento de dispersión humana en escala global. La perspectiva de esta asignatura asume que, al construir sus nichos ecológicos, las sociedades humanas impactan sobre otras poblaciones humanas y sobre comunidades vegetales y animales en general. El estudio diacrónico de estas comunidades sólo es posible considerando la incidencia humana.
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El curso abarca aspectos teóricos y metodológicos referidos a la definición, operativización y resolución de problemas de movilidad, interacción entre poblaciones y migraciones en sociedades humanas de pequeña escala. Se enfatiza el... more
El curso abarca aspectos teóricos y metodológicos referidos a la definición, operativización y resolución de problemas de movilidad, interacción entre poblaciones y migraciones en sociedades humanas de pequeña escala. Se enfatiza el desarrollo de una visión comparativa de base biogeográfica para la definición y resolución de estos problemas arqueológicos, ya que ofrece un marco robusto y teóricamente amplio para ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre diversos tipos de procesos históricos. Los temas tratados reproducen en forma simplificada las distintas instancias del proceso de investigación, desde la delimitación teórica de los problemas, escalas y unidades de análisis, la selección de líneas de evidencia relevantes para cada interrogante y su aplicación conjunta.
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El curso abarca aspectos teóricos y metodológicos referidos a la definición, operativización y resolución de problemas de movilidad, interacción entre poblaciones y migraciones en sociedades humanas de pequeña escala. Se enfatiza el... more
El curso abarca aspectos teóricos y metodológicos referidos a la definición, operativización y resolución de problemas de movilidad, interacción entre poblaciones y migraciones en sociedades humanas de pequeña escala. Se enfatiza el desarrollo de una visión comparativa de base biogeográfica para la definición y resolución de estos problemas arqueológicos, ya que ofrece un marco robusto y teóricamente amplio para ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre diversos tipos de procesos históricos. Los temas tratados reproducen en forma simplificada las distintas instancias del proceso de investigación, desde la delimitación teórica de los problemas, escalas y unidades de análisis, la selección de líneas de evidencia relevantes para cada interrogante y su aplicación conjunta. El análisis parte de una visión en escala etnográfica tomando casos de los Andes y otras regiones del mundo con el objetivo de observar variación en la dinámica de la movilidad, territorialidad y patrones de migración a nivel individual y grupal. En un segundo nivel, se desarrollan acercamientos arqueológicos de base geográfica para la evaluación de estos temas en escala temporal amplia. En este nivel se incluyen múltiples líneas de evidencia arqueológica adecuadas para el tratamiento de estos temas, ya que aportan información sobre patrones de movimientos, historias de vida, migraciones, transporte e intercambio de objetos materiales.
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Research Interests: Archaeology, Geomorphology, Anthropology, Paleoclimatology, Archaeological Science, and 10 moreArchaeological Method & Theory, Paleoenvironment, Paleoecology, Desert Ecology, Paleoenvironmental Change, Paleoclimate, Comparative archaeology, Deserts, Desert Ecosystems, and Southern Deserts Conference
Research Interests: Archaeology, Geomorphology, Anthropology, Australian Indigenous Archaeology, Paleoecology, and 14 moreHunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Quaternary Geology, South America (Archaeology), Desert Ecology, Desertification, Comparative Civilizations (Archaeology), Biogeography, Paleoclimate, Aboriginal History in Australia, Australian archaeology, African Archaeology, South American Archaeology, Comparative archaeology, and Southern Deserts Conference
Nuestro objetivo es estudiar las estrategias de uso del espacio por parte de sociedades humanas móviles en un paisaje andino de Patagonia caracterizado por una marcada heterogeneidad topográfica, climática y ecológica (localidad de... more
Nuestro objetivo es estudiar las estrategias de uso del espacio por parte de sociedades humanas móviles en un paisaje andino de Patagonia caracterizado por una marcada heterogeneidad topográfica, climática y ecológica (localidad de Barrancas-Buta Ranquil, provincia del Neuquén, Argentina). Inicialmente, se analiza la estructura del paisaje desde una perspectiva biogeográfica, desarrollando un modelo de estacionalidad mediante sistemas de información geográfica. Nuestro enfoque distribucional combina una prospección sistemática para caracterizar la estructura espacial del registro en superficie y evidencias que han sido obtenidas bajo otras estrategias de muestreo. Sobre la base de la distribución de artefactos líticos y cerámicos y de motivos rupestres, se evalúan patrones de intensidad ocupacional, diversidad funcional y circulación de información en sectores del espacio con propiedades biogeográficas diferentes. Los resultados sugieren una delimitación funcional del espacio en esc...
Research Interests: Geography, Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Biogeography, Geo-spatial analysis with GIS and GPS, and 10 moreGIS and Landscape Archaeology, Ecotones, Archaeology southern Andes, Southern Andes, Archaeology of Patagonia, Hunter Gatherers, Arqueología distribucional, Latin American Antiquity, Hunter gatherer Ecology, and Hunter Gatherer Archaeology
El propósito de este trabajo es dar a conocer los primeros resultados de isótopos de oxígeno en restos humanos procedentes del sitio Chenque I (Parque Nacional Lihué Calel, provincia de La Pampa, Argentina), un cementerio prehispánico... more
El propósito de este trabajo es dar a conocer los primeros resultados de isótopos de oxígeno en restos humanos procedentes del sitio Chenque I (Parque Nacional Lihué Calel, provincia de La Pampa, Argentina), un cementerio prehispánico cuyo rango de uso es de 1050 a 290 años AP. Esta evidencia isotópica funciona como un indicador de la residencia geográfica durante la infancia de los individuos inhumados. Los datos presentados permiten identificar un conjunto mayoritario que correspondería a individuos locales y dos individuos con una señal no local. Estos datos isotópicos se integran con otras señales del registro arqueológico que indican interacción social en escala macrorregional, y permiten identificar determinados vectores geográficos. Sobre la base de estos indicadores, se postula que en el sitio se han inhumado individuos procedentes de diferentes áreas geográficas y/o pertenecientes a diferentes poblaciones.
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The management and conservation of animal species should be based upon a long-term analysis that considers its geographical distribution and feeding patterns. The study of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes on skeletal remains provides a... more
The management and conservation of animal species should be based upon a long-term analysis that considers its geographical distribution and feeding patterns. The study of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes on skeletal remains provides a quantitative approach to the paleodietary reconstructions and constitutes a potent tool for comparing behavioral aspects of the fauna. In this paper we present the first