More than the expected: preservational differences of epiphyseal ends and diaphysis of guanaco (Lama guanicoe) long bones in Southern Patagonia

BELARDI, J.B., T.J. BOURLOT Y D.D. RINDEL

Atlanta, USA

Congreso; 74th Meeting of The Society for American Archaeology; 2009

Society for American Archaeology

There is a trend in the archaeofaunas of open air sites from Southern Patagonia that shows long bones epiphyseal ends outnumbering diaphysis. This runs counter expectations built on bone structural density obtained from several scan sites. We propose that epiphyseal ends / diaphysis dissimilar frequencies stands from taphonomic preservation differences related with long bone structure, weathering (abrasion) at open air sites (mostly related with sandy substrates) in a windy environment, and the less destructive behavior of Patagonian carnivores. Archaeological implications are used in a comparative perspective in order to evaluate the relevance of taphonomic-archaeological models constructed in other different settings.