Abstract

ZUBIMENDI, Miguel Ángel. La variabilidad del registro arqueomalacológico en la costa norte de Santa Cruz (Patagonia argentina): análisis de conjuntos superficiales en la localidad arqueológica Punta Guanaco. Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2017, vol.18, n.3, pp.283-294. ISSN 1850-373X.

In this paper, studies focusing on the spatial distribution of shell middens and surface archaeomalacological remains from shell middens of Punta Guanaco archaeological locality (south of Deseado inlet, Argentinean Patagonia) are presented. The studies had the following goals: to advance knowledge of molluscs as an importance resource for Patagonian hunter-gatherers populations; to approach the surface archaeomalacogical record and explore the potential for its systematic study at an intermediate spatial scale; and to analyze taphonomic characteristics and the possible biases that they present, especially with regards to comparison with surface and stratigraphic assemblages. The study corroborated: a high concentration of shell middens exist near contemporary mollusc banks; variability in the size of the surface assemblages; a correlation between preservation of the remains, the site, and sediment; the intensive and almost exclusive exploitation of Nacella magellanica in almost all cases. Undoubtedly, the interpretative possibilities of the study of the surface archaeomalacological assemblages should take into account some of the conclusions reached, especially in relation to differential conservation of valves of different taxa and the type of site and sediment. The continuation of these studies will allow better interpretations of the archaeological record and the human use of molluscs by past hunter-gatherer populations.

Keywords : Archaeomalacology; Punta Guanaco; Spatial surface analysis; Nacella magellanica.

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