Abstract

MARTINEZ, Gustavo  and  FLENSBORG, Gustavo. MORTUARY PRACTICES AND FORMATION PROCESSES AT THE ZOKO ANDl 1 SITE (LATE HOLOCENE; EASTERN PAMPA-PATAGONIA TRANSITION). Relaciones [online]. 2020, vol.45, n.2, pp.51-60. ISSN 0325-2221.

The Zoko Andi 1 archaeological site (Patagones district, Buenos Aires province) was occupied by hunter-gatherer groups for domestic and mortuary purposes during part of the late Holocene (ca. 1500-400 years BP). Excavations at the top of the dune exposed burial bundles and isolated human bones in a stratigraphic context dated at ca. 1400 years BP. Secondary, the so-called “disposiciones” andprimary burials modalities were identified. A minimum number of thirteen individuals represented by both sexes and a broad range of ages-at-death (unborn to adult) were recognized. Taphonomic analyses indicated that the action of roots, fossorial animals, trampling and chemical depositions affected the bioarchaeological record. However, the strong evidence of body manipulation (e.g., diverse burial modalities, cut marks, disarticulation and the use of pigments) indicates that anthropic activity was a key factor that modeled the archaeological record. It is proposed that at the top of the dune there was an intense body handling, bundle preparation and further burial in situ. This information reinforces the scenario of complex mortuary schemes previously proposed for the study area.

Keywords : Colorado River lower basin; late Holocene; hunter-gatherers - human taphonomy; body handling.

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