Stratigraphic lithic assemblages from shell middens on the northern coast of Santa Cruz (Patagonia, Argentina)

摘要

Results of the study of artifact lithic assemblages recovered from systematic excavations of shell middens on the northern coast of Santa Cruz (Patagonia Argentina), are presented. The characteristics and composition of lithic assemblages are analyzed to discuss functionality and integrity of the archaeological sites, and also to evaluate general trends of the technological organization of human groups that inhabited the area. This work represents an initial approach to the interpretation of the archaeological record of coastal shell middens from the study of lithic artifact assemblages recovered in stratigraphic contexts.