Detailed fatty acids analysis on lithic tools, Cerro El Sombrero Cima, Argentina

Abstract

This paper describes results obtained through fatty acids analysis on a sample of lithic artifacts. Analyzed tools come mainly from the excavated assemblage of Cerro El Sombrero Cima (Tandilia, Argentina), where the occupation has been assigned to the Pleistocene/Holocene transition. They include fishtail projectile points (FTPP), retouched tools, and ground tools. A variety of resources have been identified which indicate the great diversity of organic materials used and highlights the importance of plants in past daily life. Also, through this method marine resources have been identified, giving support to the proposition that different environments, including the sea coast, were familiar to early hunter-gatherers in the region. In addition, results are relevant to the discussion of the hafting and recycling of FTPP and the generalized use of other tool types.