Bjerck et al./Marine Ventures, 10. Archaeology of Maritime Hunter-gatherers from Southernmost Patagonia, South America

The main focus of this work is the proposition of an archaeological sequence for marine hunter-gatherers in Southernmost Patagonia, based on the recent study of different coastal archaeological sites in the Magellan strait, Otway Sea and Almirante Montt Gulf, located between 50º and 53º South latitude. This includes discussing timing, changes and cultural traditions during the Holocene within three sets of technological and economic features grouped in consecutive time blocks and characteristic cultural material assemblages: a) Early period (7400-6200 cal yrs BP), b) Intermediate period (4900-2350 cal yrs BP) and c) late period (<1500 cal yrs BP). Discriminating archaeological elements of each assemblage are related with lithic and bone industries, both instrument design and manufacturing techniques, as well as trends of different use of raw materials. Modern research has raised the discussion that these Patagonian populations were characterized by marked homogeneity, stability and cultural continuity, assuming that technological changes could be explained as minor or irrelevant modifications and/or innovations occurring through time. We argue that differences express changes that are best understood when considering the presence of different cultural traditions, based on variations in information circulation, social interaction and their spatial scale of distribution over time. This in turn can be related to exchange or transport of artifacts, ideas or knowledge and people.