Morphometric Characterization of Denticulate Edged Tools from the Northern Coast of the Santa Cruz Province, Argentine Patagonia

Abstract

The lithic assemblages recorded from shell middens along the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia, reveal some common trends. In general terms, abundant debris, and a few tools and cores have been identified. The lithic assemblages’ general characteristics suggest knapping activities related to intermediate and final stages of the manufacturing sequence linked to the production and maintenance of tools made from local raw materials, such as chert and silicified tuff. Within the framework of the techno-typological similarities registered in the archaeological assemblages from the shell middens, we identified tools with particular morphologies. An example of this were the denticulates. A highlight was the discovery of concentrations of these tools in surface contexts associated with marine resource exploitation. Applying techno-morphological and morphometric analysis we recorded a general pattern of low variation in the denticulates. This suggests high levels of replication fidelity. This theme is developed and discussed here.