Reids exploitation in North Patagonia: stability and change of a traditional strategy

GIARDINA MIGUEL

Edinburg, Texas

Workshop; 8th Bird Working Group Meeting ICAZ; 2016

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Ethnographic studies and ethnohistoric literature from South America showed a strong interest in Rheidae (Rhea americana and Rhea pennata) consumption. The Chronicles from a great number of explorers of the 19th century mentioned aspects of the exploitation of these birds by native South Americans and by rural populations from the regions of Pampa and Patagonia at the beginning of the 20th century. These explorers report the importance of the Rheidae hunting as a source of large amounts of grease and feathers not available in other animals. In this presentation the traditional techniques of hunting, butchering and consumption of these birds are showed. The information was collected by direct observations and interviews with ranchers from rural areas of southern Mendoza, Argentina. The information from historic sources and travellers? chronicles is also presented. The observed techniques are discussed with regards to the expectations from the archaeological record.