Early peopling of the Southern part of the Deseado Massif: evidence from La Gruta and Viuda Quenzana areas

FRANCO, N.V. AMBRÚSTOLO P.; BROOK, G.A, MANCINI, M.V.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Congreso; Paleoenvironmental Odyssey; 2013

La Gruta and Viuda Quenzana, in the southern part of the Deseado Massif, have different environmental characteristics. The area of La Gruta is dominated by lagoons whose level depends on rainfall, while Viuda Quenzana is largely a fluvial environment with seasonal streams and springs. The areas also differ in the availability of rock shelters and siliceous raw materials of high quality with abundant shelters at Viuda Quenzana and few in the area near La Gruta. Climate fluctuations in the past impacted the availability of water in these two areas resulting in changes in lagoon levels and vegetation that we have documented by studying lagoon sediments and pollen evidence. Here we present information related to early human peopling of the souhtern part of the Deseado Masif, dated to ca. 12,600 cal yr BP. We also discuss evidence suggesting discontinuous occupation of some areas and similarities and differnces between the two areas under study in terms of both occupation and environmental change.