Site formation processes in relation to surface bone assemblages in the Fuegian steppe (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina)

Abstract

The archaeological record of the northern steppe in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) is characterized by the occurrence of concentrations of archaeological material at the ground surface, coming from gullies and deflation hollows related to shallow lake coastal environments. This particular distribution becomes a challenge concerning the study of siteformation processes, particularly in relation to the burial andexhumation of archaeological materials. Bone assemblages coming from three archaeological contexts (Tres Marías, Amalia 4 and Arturo 1) are analysed here, pointing to the features, damage and stability or movements that reveal their taphonomic histories. Geomorphological landscapes vary from each site, being represented by deflation hollows close to shallow lakes as well as gullies originating from the coastitself. The faunal assemblages are mostly dominated by Lama guanicoe bones. Variability in taxonomic composition, weathering profiles, mobility and stability of materials, as well as evidence of anthropic modifications, among other records, demonstrate the existence of different depositional events.The high variability observed suggests that several pre- andpost-depositional processes were involved; thus, it results incomplex taphonomic histories and low integrity that maketheir interpretation difficult in terms of human activities.