Early Archaic Fishing (12,600–9,200 cal yr BP) in the Semiarid North Coast of Chile

Abstract

We present the results of the analysis of fish remains from an archaeological context (Punta ˜ Nagu´e) associated with the earliest settlers in the semiarid northern coast of Chile and dated to the end of the Pleistocene (12,916–11,043 cal yr BP). The great majority of the species identified are fish that can be captured with nets in the nearshore subtidal and inter-tidal zones. These results, along with evidence from other early archaeological sites in northern Chile, demonstrate the early systematic exploitation of fish species, particularly Sciaenidae. These fish constituted an abundant and reliable resource, which contributed significantly to the subsistence of these early maritime-adapted settlers who populated the Pacific coast of South America.