Obsidian in Western Pampas, Argentina. Source Characterization and Provisioning Strategies

GIESSO M, M. BERÓN Y M.GLASCOCK

Bulletin of the International Association of Obsidian Studies

International Association of Obsidian Studies

Año: 2008 p. 15 - 18

In recent years several studies on obsidian procurement and distribution were undertaken in western and southern Argentina, with the location of numerous sources and the mapping of areas of distribution of different types of obsidian (Duran et al 2004, Laguens et al 2007, Stern 1999, Yacobaccio et al 2002, among others). Hunter and gatherer populations of central and southern Argentina have procured obsidian from Andean regions and its vicinity since at least 9000 BP and into the Colonial period (Duran et al 2004, Laguens et al 2007, Stern 1999). Sixteen obsidian samples from two Late Holocene sites in the La Pampa province (see map) were analyzed by INAA at the Missouri University Research Reactor, and their results were compared to the MURR database from central and southern Argentina and Chile. Two open air sites of Tapera Moreira and El Chenque I are located in the Lihue Calel Provincial Park, La Pampa, Central Argentina, and both sites contain transparent and grey-black obsidian and other non-local elements, tentatively coming from regions to the East (orthoquartzite from Pampa, ornaments made on malacological fauna from the Altantic coast) and to the West (obsidian, and Valdivia ceramics from southern Chile) (Berón 1997, 2004). The closest obsidian quarry is located 300km to the northwest. The site of Tapera Moreira has 3 components, the earliest date is 3900 + 60 BP. No projectile points were recovered from the earliest occupation. The most common lithic raw materials are silica and basalt. Silicified wood and quartzite were used in less quantity. The inhabitants of Tapera Moreira based their subsistence on the hunting of guanaco. The intermediate occupation was dated to between 2110 + and 1800 + 80 BP. The most recent occupation contains the earliest evidence of pottery manufacture in the area and are dated to between 1190 + 60BP to 480 + 60 BP (Berón 1994:152-53). Medium and thicker stemless projectile points coexist with thin and small points, abundant bifaces and performs, small scrapers o short-wide modulus, characteristic of the Pampean Region contexts (Berón 1994:152). Two engraved plates on fragments of gray slate have geometrical designs on both sides, made by incision. Similar ones were found in the Intihuasi Cave, San Luis (Berón 1994, 153). Chilean Valdivia pottery and some metal ornaments suggest that there were contacts with groups living in the western side of the Andes (Berón 2007a).