DISTRIBUTION AND PROCUREMENT STRATEGIES OF BLACK OBSIDIAN IN CENTRAL-WESTERN SANTA CRUZ PROVINCE (PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA)

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

Congreso; 13th ISKM; 2021

In southern Patagonia, research proposals regarding the supply of black obsidian are still open. In broad spatial and temporal terms, Pampa del Asador has been proposed as the main source of procurement of this lithic resource (Stern 2018). On a macro-regional scale (sensu Dincause 2000), direct and indirect mechanisms of obsidian procurement from the Pampa del Asador source have been suggested. At the same time, variability in transport and exploitation strategies has been recorded through the regional study of obsidian cores (Cassiodoro et al. 2020). Such variability indicates that the 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 factors involved in the mechanisms for obtaining this lithic resource by hunter-gatherer societies that inhabited the region after 2000 years BP. We work on a broad regional scale, relevant to discuss aspects of mobility and social interaction. Thus, the sample includes 147 archaeological sites located in different environmental sectors: basaltic plateaus (Pampa del Asador, Guitarra and Strobel) and lake basins (Cardiel and Salitroso). A macroscopic analysis is carried out to complement the information of the cores with that of the formatized artifacts and debris. Results highlight the variability of strategies initially suggested. It is emphasized that the particularities of land use and the available of other lithic resources are relevant for understanding the patterns observed in the archaeological record.