SOURCES OF LITHIC RAW MATERIALS IN THE NORTH COAST OF SANTA CRUZ (ARGENTINE PATAGONIA): THE CASE OF SOUTHERN DESEADO ESTUARY

SOURCES OF LITHIC RAW MATERIALS IN THE NORTH COAST OF SANTA CRUZ (ARGENTINE PATAGONIA): THE CASE OF SOUTHERN DESEADO ESTUARY. This paper presents a synthesis and updating of studies related to the sourcing strategies, circulation and use of lithic resources by hunter-gatherers who occupied the northern coast of Santa Cruz province during the Late and Middle Holocene. In order to asses these issues the lithic resources base is compared to some of the characteristics of lithic assemblages from the occupations, in rock shelters and open air sites, of the area. The study of the availability of lithic raw materials was carried out by surveys and systematic samplings of potential sources of procurement. The results suggest the existence of variability in the availability and exploitation of lithic resources. This is discussed within the information frame so far obtained related to settlement strategies and the extent of the mobility ranges of hunter-gatherer groups who occupied the area.