Abstract

COLOBIG, M. de los Milagros et al. ARCHAEOBOTANICAL REMAINS OF SANCTI SPIRITUS FORT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, SANTA FE, ARGENTINA.. Comechingonia [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.2, pp.1-10. ISSN 1851-0027.

The Sancti Spiritus settlement was established at some undetermined time between May and August 1527 at the Carcarañá and Coronda rivers confluence, when an expedition commanded by Sebastián Caboto arrived. This archaeological site focus on the beginning of the European presence and the introduction of new plant species in the region. The results obtained from the phytoliths and archaeological charcoals analysis contribute with new data because plants introduced in a Hispano-indigenous context of the early 16th century were identified. Charcoals assigned to gymnosperms had to be introduced by colonizers from Europe because material was identified as wild pine (Pinus sylvestris) and yew (Taxus baccata). The presence of gymnosperms in an Argentine archaeological site represents the oldest material evidence of exotic wood in historical moments. The identified phytolytic associations respond to plants related to local grasses (Maideae and Oryzoideae) and a type of introduced plant, as is the case of the forms related to wheat (Triticeae). The archaeobotanical analyzes contribute information that, with historical records, provide elements for the reconstruction of this event relevant to Hispanic American history. 

Keywords : Archaeobotany, opal phytolith, charcoal, Northeast Argentina.

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