Distribution and procurement strategies of black obsidian in central-western Santa Cruz province (Patagonia, Argentina)

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

Simposio; 13th International Symposium on Knappable Materials; 2021

In southern Patagonia, research proposals regarding the supply of black obsidian arestill open. In broad spatial and temporal terms, Pampa del Asador has been proposedas the main source of procurement of this lithic resource (Stern 2018). On a macro-regional scale (sensu Dincause 2000), direct and indirect mechanisms of obsidianprocurement from Pampa del Asador source have been suggested. At the same time,variability in transport and exploitation strategies has been recorded through the regionalstudy of obsidian cores (Cassiodoro et al. 2020). Such variability indicates thatthe distance to the source does not unequivocally explain all the observed patterns.In this opportunity, we seek to deepen this proposal to discuss the different factorsinvolved in the mechanisms for obtaining this lithic resource by hunter-gatherer societiesthat inhabited the region after 2000 years BP. We work on a broad regionalscale, relevant to discuss aspects of mobility and social interaction. Thus, the sampleincludes 147 archaeological sites located in different environmental sectors: basalticplateaus (Pampa del Asador, Guitarra and Strobel) and lake basins (Cardiel and Salitroso).A macroscopic analysis is carried out to complement the information of thecores with that of the formatized artifacts and debris.Results highlight the variability of strategies initially suggested. It is emphasized thatthe particularities of land use and availability of other lithic resources are relevant forunderstanding the patterns observed in the archaeological record.