Surface site-formation processes in northern Tierra del Fuego (Argentina): A case study of the Amalia 4 Site

Abstract

Surface site studies in Fuegian archaeology have mainly been undertaken with distributional or spatial approaches. However, issues related to integrity, resolution, and/or other aspects of site-formation processes still require attention. In this study, the study of these processes is proposed as an initial step to enhancing the comprehension of human use-of-space and circulation in the Fuegian steppe. The Amalia 4 Site serves as an ideal case study to analyze the potential movement that was likely involved in the distribution of archaeological materials recorded on the surface. Different lines of evidence were evaluated: (a) Topographic aspects were related to the dimensions and weight of lithic artifacts and bone remains; (b) test pits and subsurface collections were carried out with the purpose of recording flakes and debris of less than 10 mm (microdebris) or other buried materials; (c) some retouched artifacts were observed at higher magnifications to evaluate differential alterations among exposure times; (d) an exhaustive task of refitting lithic artifacts was conducted; (e) a taphonomic study of the skeletal remains was carried out. The aim of all these studies was to contribute to the understanding of the postdepositional dynamics and to come up with alternative hypotheses in relation to site-formation processes.