Abstract

GIL, Adolfo et al. Rincon Del Atuel-1 (San Rafael, Mendoza): Archaeological Evidence And Regional Implications. Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2008, n.9, pp.113-132. ISSN 1850-373X.

Rincón del Atuel-1 is an open air archaeological site located in the current alluvial valley of the Atuel River, Mendoza Province (Argentina). The site was studied during the first stage of archaeological research in southern Mendoza. However, only the surface archaeological record was studied and no information was published about the material in stratigraphic context. Recently, excavations were carried out in order to explore issues related to the Late Holocene human occupation. The results presented here show that the site was occupied from 1500-1700 ¹⁴C  years BP until recently (at least ca. 300 years BP). Two archaeological assemblages can be distinguished at the site. The older one, between 1500-1700 and 1000-1200 years BP, includes greater temporal resolution and light human occupation. The human remains recovered from the site were associated with this assemblage; isotopic analysis showed a mixed diet that included a significant C₄ and C₃ component. The only corn remains recovered are associated with this occupation, probably with the structure "Oven 1". In contrast, the late archaeological assemblages, between 1000-1200 years BP, revealed a denser archaeological record stratigraphically associated with contemporary soils and with a decreased temporal resolution. There are other archaeological differences between these assemblages, including differences in lithic raw material and ceramic type. The Rincon del Atuel 1 archaeological record is not concordant with a semi-sedentary pattern as was previously proposed, and shows a temporal variation that could be related to regional changes, namely the intensification process previously formulated for the neighboring high mountain region.

Keywords : Mendoza; Late Holocene; Fluvial valley; Prehispanic farming.

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