Fish taphonomy in Central Patagonian coast: an experimental approach and the ichthyoarchaeological record

SVOBODA, ARIADNA

San Rafael

Conferencia; 12th International Conference of ArchaeoZoology; 2014

Fish remains are common in archaeological contexts in the central part of Patagonian coast and nearby areas. Fish bones are affected by natural taphonomic processes though their influence on the ichthyoarchaeological record remains unknown in general. In this paper, preliminary results of an actualistic study are present in order to understand preservation processes and bone distribution in different coastal landforms: 1) active sand-dunes; 2) vegetated dunes; 3) beach ridges; 4) depressions among ridges and 6) marine terraces. Atmospheric and topographic variables have been registered. Photos and scale maps of the bone distribution were registered at intervals of 15 days in the first month and approximately three months during the later period. Results indicate significant modification on the distribution of bone remains in most of experimental sets. However, differences in time were also recorded in the movements. Wind was an important factor affecting fish bones. Application of these observations of small scales of time permit derived hypothesis about preservation of the ichthyoarchaeological record on the long term. Therefore, natural taphonomic processes may affect preservation of fish assemblages that have been exposure or re-exposure for a relative extensive period. Integrity and highest frequencies of fish remains in the stratigraphic samples may be due to immediate deposition of shellfish by consumed activities.