Changes in lithic technology and environment in southern continental Patagonia: The Chico and Santa Cruz River basins

Abstract

Changes in artifact technology and environment during the Holocene are documented, within an organization of technology framework, for three different regions of Patagonia. Possible relationships between environmental changes and changes in artifact technology are explored. We examine past vegetation and geomorphic evidence of Holocene climate conditions in the three regions studied and what technologies were used during particular wetter and drier intervals. Our results suggest that many of the observed changes in technology use occurred at times of rapid climate change, particularly towards much drier conditions.