Historical Occupations at the Southern Part of the Deseado Massif: The Case of La Gruta 3 (Santa Cruz, Argentina)

CIRIGLIANO, NATALIA; VOMMARO, MIRIAM N.

Honolulu

Congreso; Society for American Archaeology 78th Annual Meeting; 2013

Society for American Archaeology

Written sources do not mention the utilization of the southern partof the Deseado Massif by indigenous groups during historicaltimes. Historical records, on the contrary, point to the utilization ofopen air spaces, close to main water courses. However, archaeological research has shown the occupation of rock shelters close to temporary ponds during these times at the southern part of the Deseado Massif.The purpose of this paper is to summarize initial information obtained at a test pit made at La Gruta 3 rock shelter, where both lithic artifacts and exotic fauna with cut marks were recovered. Reasons for its utilization are analyzed taking into account available information for the area. We believe that the integration of both archaeological and historical information points to a better understanding of human behavior in the area during early historical times.