Rock art relatedness and circulation paths in Northeast Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

This work presents original information from the recording of petroglyphs inParedón de los Grabados, located in the middle course of the Salado stream, Río Negro Province, Argentina. The Salado basin connects the foothills of the Somuncura Plateau with the west coast of the San Matías Gulf. Due to its intermediate geographic location, the site becomes a relevant point for the study of mobility and social interaction between the Atlantic coast and the Patagonian interior. Different lines of evidence suggest the recurrent use of the place during the late Holocene, including historical times. Comparative analysis indicates that these petroglyphs share more similarities with interior rock art than with coastal rock art. Social and chronological implications of such patterns of connectivity are discussed.