Lithic taphonomy in desert environments: Contributions from Fuego-Patagonia (Southern South America)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the contributions of taphonomic approaches to the study of lithic assemblages. Based on actualistic and archaeological case studies from Fuego-Patagonia (South America), here I summarize some of the main taphonomic issues identified for the regional lithic record which are of relevance for the archaeological research in other desert environments. Specifically, distributional patterns in lithic assemblages produced by wind are highlighted and main guidelines for pseudoartifact study are presented and discussed. Actualistic data show lithic artifacts up to 50 mm in size – or weighting ∼13 g – can be moved by winds blowing at 90 km/h. Finally, a methodological exercise (Banyai's zoom) is proposed for lithic mimic recognition.