Hunter-Gatherers Of The Middle And Late Holocene In North Central Chile: Roca Fertil Rockshelter (30 Degrees S)

Abstract

This paper discusses the characteristics of the middle and late Holocene hunter-gatherer occupation of the Alero Roca Fertil site (30 degrees Lat. S). A long history of reuse of this space has been identified, demonstrating important changes in the intensity of human occupation and its relationship to the environment. The results presented are discussed, taking into consideration the general dynamics identified for both periods at a regional level, as well as the characteristics of contemporary occupations in other areas of the Southern Andes. The micro-regional focus of this study, and the incorporation of the results within a broader spatial context, enable the particularities of these processes of change to be acknowledged and allow the site to be integrated into a wider range of sites from the area. The result is a better understanding of these hunter-gatherer groups and their relationship with the environment. Keywords. Author Keywords:Hunter gatherers; Middle Holocene; Late Holocene; Use of space; Semiarid North of Chile