Differential Distribution of Projectile Points in Southern Patagonia during the Early Holocene: Peopling Implications?

Abstract

There is still debate about when and how the peopling process of South America developed, particularly in southern Patagonia. Earliest evidence corresponds to chronologies beginning at circa 11,000 radiocarbon years ago. Regarding the archaeological record, discussions about early peopling often have been related to the existence of a particular type of projectile point: the fishtail point. This work aims to evaluate the initial peopling of southern Patagonia by mainly focusing on the processes which operated in central-western Santa Cruz province (Argentina). We analyze the distributions of fishtail points as well as stemless projectile points, which also could be related to early occupation contexts. Likewise, other evidence is considered, such as the differential use of black obsidian coming from the important source of Pampa del Asador.