New Data on Pleistocene Faunal Exploitation at Piedra Museo (Central Plateau of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina)

MARCHIONNI, L.; VÁZQUEZ, M.

Current Research in the Pleistocene

Center for Study of First Americans, Texas A&M University

Año: 2012 p. 139 - 142

8755-898X

In this paper we presented the preliminary results of bone modification analysis from zooarchaelogical materials of stratigrafic unit 6 (SU6) of AEP-1 site, Piedra Museo locality. This site is a rockshelter localized at 47º53´42´´S and 67º52´04´´W, in the Central Plateau of the Santa Cruz province, Argentina. This sample has been assigned to human occupation during Pleistocene/Holocene transition, and gets radiocarbon datings between ca. 13,000 years BP and 10,500 years BP. Previous zooarchaeological works indicate that SU6 corresponds to IIIC horizon of local paleosoil and the pollen analysis performed reveal the existence of a shrub steppe for this moment. In this site unit most taxonomic diversity was registered, including Hippidion saldiasi (pleistocene horse), Lama gracilis (extinct camelid), Lama guanicoe (guanaco), Mylodon sp. (groundsloth), rehidos (flightless ostrich-like), big mammals and birds of medium size. Bone surfaces analyses based on identification of descriptive atributes allow us to infer different modifications patterns, in order to read different agents and processes involved in the formation of assemblages. This paper will contribute whit new data about taphonomic history of SU6 assemblage. Likewise allow us evaluate its archaeological integrity and test the originally hypothesis proposal about this site unit, and supporting Piedra Museo was used as a specific activities place where specific tasks relative to trapping, slaughtering, and primary processing of prey were carried out.