Metal shipwrecks in Patagonia, Argentina contributions to their research and management.

DOLORES ELKIN; GUILLERMO GUTIÉRREZ; UNDERWOOD

Fremantle

Congreso; VI The Internationaler Kongreß für Unterwasserarchäologie; 2016

Fremantle

The archaeological study of metal hulled ships began to develop relatively recently worldwide, and the same applies to material remains from the industrial period in general. Fortunately, nowadays there is an increasing interest in ?modern vessels?, partly thanks to the pioneer and stimulating research conducted by professionals from Australia and North America, not just in archaeology and anthropology but also addressing issues in related fields such as site formation processes and conservation.This paper presents the way in which metal shipwrecks located on the coast of Patagonia, Southern Argentina, are being dealt with both from an anthropological and archaeological perspective as well as regarding their management. The time frame spans from the late 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century.The main research questions addressed have to do with the technology involved in the vessels under study and the site formation processes which have been taking place since they entered the archaeological record.Some aspects regarding their management as cultural heritage and their presentation to the public are also discussed, particularly given the remote location of some of these sites.