Differential distribution of projectile points in southern Patagonia during early Holocene: Peopling implications?

FLORES CONI J.; CASSIODORO G.; AGNOLIN, A.; GOÑI R.

PaleoAmerica

Taylor and Francis

Año: 2020

2055-5563

There is still debate on when and how the peopling process of South America developed, particularly in Southern Patagonia. Earliest evidences correspond to chronologies beginning at circa 11000 years BP. As regards the archaeological record, discussions about early peopling have often been related to the existence of a particular type of projectile point: the fishtail point (FTPP). This work aims to evaluate the initial peopling of Southern Patagonia mainly focusing on the processes which operated in central-western Santa Cruz province (Argentina). Thus, we analyze the FTPP distribution, as well as stemless projectile points (SPP), that could also be related to initial occupation contexts. Likewise, other evidences are considered, such as the differential use of black obsidian coming from the important source of Pampa del Asador (PDA).