Cacao 1: Lithic evidence and mobility ranges during the Pleistocene in the Atacama Puna (Antofagasta de la Sierra, Catamarca, Argentina)

Abstract

Cacao 1 is a shelter with rock art situated at the confluence of the Cacao and Curuto bogs, at 25°54´46´´ S, 67°20´27.1´´ W and 3755 masl, in the Antofagasta de la Sierra Department, Catamarca. We here present a small lithic artifact assemblage composed of flaked tools, utilized flakes and debitage, all found in a flat, horizontal position in level 5. This level is characterized by a matrix mainly composed of vegetal remains and a smaller proportion of fine sand, originating from the disaggregation and trampling of extinct fauna feces (megatherium, mylodon, horse). At the time of writing this abstract there are two dates about 38000 yr BP, and its base is dated about 40000 yr BP. An extension of the excavation during May 2017 yielded new findings which are currently are being dated. Lithic artifacts include obisidian form the Ona or Salar de Hombre Muerto sources close to Antofagasta de la Sierra, and a local vulcanite. These indicate a provisioning range of 80 km, which is larger when considering also vegetal remains.