Intra-site use patterns during the early Holocene in the Cueva Maripe site (Santa Cruz, Argentina)

Abstract

In this paper, we make a quantitative analysis of spatial patterns for the earliest archaeological component (early Holocene) at Cueva Maripe, a multiple-activity site located in Santa Cruz province (Patagonia, Argentina). We worked in a geographical information systems environment to systematize the analogical and digital information from excavations including the location of registered hearths, the frequency of lithic artifacts and bone remains, and the distribution of burnt materials. The visualization techniques and spatial statistics allowed us to define the intra-site structure of the site. Results suggest that Cueva Maripe was probably used as a short-term temporary camp. This spatial approach leads to a better understanding of the formation and occupation history of the site, as well as a method for comparing different intra-site use patterns between sites.