Movilidad y artefactos de molienda en Antofagasta de la Sierra, Puna meridional argentina (ca. 6500-1100 años A.P.)

Abstract

The characteristics of grinding stone tool assemblages that can be indicative of variants in the settlement organization are studied. An emphasis is put in morphological, placement, use and discard attributes of artefacts that could be sensible to variations in regularity-anticipation and span of occupation of sites. A case study from Antofagasta de la Sierra in Northwestern Argentina are approached from that perspective, along the three established time ranges: ca. 6500-4770 years B.P., ca. 4770-3200 years B.P. and ca. 2000-1100 years B.P. Reduced artefact sample, similar functionality and span of use of sites analyzed, and recurrence in various attributes of tools along the entire time range mask the technological change at first sight. Nevertheless, the comparative study of multiple variables in the long term, allow us to identify modifications in grinding technology related to a progressive diminution of residential mobility in the area.