Analyses of the faunal assemblage of Paso Otero 4 (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). New evidences of the intensification process in the pampean region

ÁLVAREZ. M. C., C. KAUFMANN; M. GUTIÉRREZ Y G. MARTÍNEZ

Paris

Congreso; 11th International Conference of Archaeozoology; 2010

Museum National d´Histoire Naturelle

Paso Otero 4 is a multicomonent open air site located in the middle basin of the Quequén Grande River, Pampean region, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. This site has been recently excavated(2008-2010) and a great diversity of faunal evidence were recovered dated to the Early and Middle Holocene. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the zooarchaeological and taxonomical analyses conducted to the faunal assemblages of Paso Otero 4, and to discuss the contribution of this site to former subsistence models proposed for this region for Early and Middle Holocene. Moreover, the site yielded evidences for discussing the survival of Pleistocene fauna into the Early Holocene. The results show evidence of butchering and consumption of at least 6 species, such as guanaco (Lama guanicoe), pampean deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), ñandú (Rheaamericana), patagonian hare (Dolichotis patagonum), viscacha (Lagostomus maximus), skunk (Conepatus sp.), and different species of armadillos. Among the armadillos, several elements of Eutatus seguini, an extinct species, with clear evidences of consumption were recovered. Also, bones of an extinct fox (Dusycion avus) were identified.