State of progress of archaeological researches in empalme querandíes 1 site (centre of the humid pampas subregion, Buenos Aires province).

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the first results of an archaeological research performed at the site Empalme Querandies 1 (centre of the Humid Pampas sub-region, province of Buenos Aires). Considering a multidisciplinary approach, different types of analyses were carried out (geoenvironmental, chronology, taphonomy, subsistence, and technological trends). Stratigraphic and taphonomic studies suggest that the assemblage has a low integrity and resolution, covering different occupation events corresponding to the early Late Holocene (ca. 3100 to 2000 years BP). Faunal analyses indicate that the guanaco, the pampean deer, the greater rhea, and four armadillo species were part of the diet. Moreover, bone remains of the first two species were also used as raw material to manufacture tools. The study of the lithic assemblage shows that orthoquartzite and chert are both well represented, but there are variations in the objectives of production and in the strategies associated with their use. In the case of the pottery, undecorated as well as geometrical decorated sherds were recovered. Finally, the diverse sorts of studies indicate that part of the occupations at this multicomponent site would be related to loci of multiple activities of base camps.