Composition and possible provenance of metallic archaeological objects found in Patagonia argentina

Abstract

In this work we determine the composition of eight metal objects found in archaeological sites of hunter-gatherers located in different sectors of Argentine Patagonia, by using a simple qualitative analysis by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and the depth profiling advantage of this technique. We found that the objects are made of copper (native copper, brass and bronze). The determination of the material composition of the artefacts enables us to propose hypotheses about the manufacture of the pieces, as well as, together with other indicators, to discuss the possible origin of their production. For instance, if these artifacts could have been produced locally, by mobile hunter-gatherer societies that inhabited Patagonia, or if they were acquired through contacts with other non-Patagonian groups or by European travellers.