Early and middle Holocene periglacial lake-level changes and human landscape use in south-central Patagonia: An approach to hunting activities in Cerro Casa de Piedra locality

Abstract

This paper discusses data on the use of space by groups living in the Andean south-central Patagonia. The information is based on research in the archaeological site Cerro Casa de Piedra 7. The excavations were undertaken to address the chronology of the initial human settlement in this region. The first human evidence at CCP7 dates back to 12,500 calibrated years, indicating one of the earliest dates of human presence in this portion of the Andean Range. Additionally, surface material recovered around the excavated site is considered for a broader spatial perspective. Paleogeographic variations identified for the early Holocene are paramount for this study. The glacial retreat brought along critical lacustrine feature modifications. In some cases, this led to the emergence of new areas, resulting in a change of scenery. Hunting behaviour and its related activities are considered within this fluctuating context to contribute to the discussion about hunting strategies on a regional scale. Accordingly, archaeological assemblages are studied with a particular emphasis on the lithic projectile points and their chronological distribution. The latter shows a clear decline in the presence of these elements from 8,000 calibrated years BP onwards, different from what is observed throughout the region.