A technomorphological and functional study of Late Pleistocene and Middle Holocene lithic assemblages from Patagonia Argentina

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the lithic assemblages from three sites from the Central Plateau of Santa Cruz in the Argentine Patagonia. Functional analysis was combined with a techno-morphological and distributional approach, the investigation on raw materials and the study of the technological strategies of production and consumption. The significance of combining functional analysis with other research methods involving lithic remains is emphasized. By articulating different methodologies, it is possible to understand the systems of technological organization. Two sites refer to Final Pleistocene occupations (Cerro Tres Tetas 1 and Casa del Minero 1). The integration of approaches showed the diversity of strategies developed in the production and use of tools, as well as the existence of activity areas within the sites. The third site is a Middle Holocene context (Cueva 13 of Los Toldos). The combination of perspectives allowed a redefinition of the toolkit structure and showed that blade production was part of a standardized technological system.