A geoarchaeological study about the use of space in Isla Martín García (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Abstract

Martín García is an island in the delta of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, located on the mouth of the Uruguay River. Geomorphological and archaeological information was used as a basis for the analysis. The geomorphologic study arises from the comparison of aerial photographs and satellite images that allow us to understand the variations of the three current sandy areas and the North coast over time. It was observed that due to the advancing sediment of the island, it is likely that the three sandy areas are remnants of a large one. This area has been a place of human settlement (Guaraní groups) for at least 500 years ago. 1 This paper aims to develop an integrated vision on how Guaranian groups used physical space in this area. For the archaeological analysis, comparative work was carried out on ceramics excavated from the three sites. The ceramics were analyzed both macro and microscopically, and are of the same type in the different excavated sandy areas.