Early Patagonian Hunter-Gatherers: Subsistence and Technology

Abstract

The process of the initial human exploration and colonization of Fuego-Patagonia was probably one of a slow filling in of empty spaces. The available information, coming mostly from caves and rockshelters, is sufficient to initiate a discussion on the subsistence and technology of the early Patagonian hunter-gatherers. All the evidence points toward a generalized diet. Opportunistic use of Pleistocene mammals, together with a more systematic use of guanaco, is indicated. A redundant pattern of association of artifacts with ground sloth, horse, and guanaco is evident. Lithic artifacts were routinely and expediently made on rocks available in the immediate vicinity, with an emphasis on the transport of bifacial artifacts and/or preforms, adequate for situations of high mobility. Local raw material was used predominately. Human populations were living at low densities, and space, as well as other resources, was probably abundant in relation to human needs. Density-independent adaptations are thus indicated. Under these conditions, no major need for niche differentiation existed, and it is not necessary to postulate specialized use of parts of the ecosystem.

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