Taphonomy and Archaeofaunas: Friends with Benefits?

Abstract

Taphonomy was initially defined as the discipline that studies the transition of organisms from the biosphere to the lithosphere. It delves into the changes the organic remains underwent in their trajectories into the geological realms. As a result of this definition, the fauna has played a central role in the archaeological application of taphonomic research right from the start. In Argentina, taphonomy was slowly but surely incorporated into archaeological investigations since the late-80s, and it provided new methods to encompass different aspects of the archaeological record. Despite the undisputed rights acquired by archaeofaunas, current taphonomic research in Argentina has expanded its scope to approach other components of the archaeological record, especially lithic artifacts. This chapter revisits and analyzes the development of taphonomic research within archaeology in Argentina. Finally, the future local directions of taphonomy are discussed.