Obsidian in the south-central Andes: geological, geochemical, and archaeological assessment of north Patagonian sources (Argentina)

R. BARBERENA; A. HAJDUK; A. F. GIL; G. A. NEME; V. DURAN; M. GLASCOCK; M. GIESSO; K. BORRAZZO; M. P. POMPEI; M. L. SALGÁN; V. CORTEGOSO; G. VILLAROSA; A. RUGHINI

QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Nueva York; Año: 2011 vol. 245 p. 25 - 36

1040-6182

In this paper we present a synthesis of the geological, geochemical, and archaeological information for the Huenul obsidian source located in northern Patagonia (Neuquén Province, Argentina). This raw material displays a remarkable supra-regional distribution in the archaeological record. Important information recently published on other obsidian sources in the South-Central Andes of Argentina and Chile provide the context for this endeavor, allowing us to evaluate the role of this lithic source within the networks of human mobility and interaction on different spatial scales. The evidences presented contribute to evaluate alternative hypotheses explaining the distribution of Huenul obsidians relating with technological decisions and geographical organization. , marginal vs. nuclear role of certain spaces for past human societies, and territorial organization.