The Role of Ancient Fishing on the Desert Coast of Patagonia, Argentina

FEDERICO L. SCARTASCINI

Journal of Island & Coastal Archaeology

Taylor and Francis

Año: 2017 p. 115 - 132

1556-4894

This paper explores latitudinal and chronological variations in the exploitation of marinefish by the hunter-gatherers who occupied the Atlantic coast of continental Patagonia,Argentina, since the mid-Holocene. Its results indicate a spatial gradient in the importanceof fish. A significant reduction in the frequency of fish remains in the archaeological sitesoccurs at higher latitudes. The chronological trends identified also suggest differencesbetween the assemblages of the northern and southern coasts of this long littoral area. Theresults obtained are further discussed in relation to identified environmental and culturalvariation.