Zooarchaeological evidence of otariids in continental coast of Patagonia, Argentina: Old and new Perspective

Abstract

While there is frequent mention of the presence of sea lions in many coastal Patagonian Late Holocene assemblages, zooarchaeological analysis of these have been limited, mainly because of the lack of proper osteological studies. This is a common problem to archaeological marine mammal bone analysis across the world. In this chapter, we present the current state of pinniped zooarchaeological studies from the Atlantic coast of continental Patagonia, Argentina. To begin with, we highlight the manner in which pinnipeds have been registered traditionally in archaeology. Primarily, this entailed a simple identification of the presence of these animals in the zooarchaeological record, without then entering into a discussion on the nature of this evidence or further analysis towards exploring the role of pinnipeds in the subsistence strategies of past human populations. Since then, a new way of tackling pinniped remains has emerged. This new perspective seeks to develop varied analytical pathways towards resolving known problems in the taxonomical identification of pinnipeds. This is then used to answer specific research questions such as past pinniped exploitation strategies. This new perspective is made-up of a range of different analytical methods –osteometric studies, bone fusion chronology, identification of diagnostic traits – that are currently being developed. These are geared towards being able to identify more precisely within the wider category of pinnipeds. Another stated aim of this new approach is the possibility of determining by age classes and sex within each species. This will permit inferences on exploitation strategies and types of prey caught, thus providing interpretations on the role that these marine mammals had on continental Patagonian hunter-gatherer subsistence during the Late Holocene.