Abstract

SVOBODA, Ariadna  and  MORENO, Eduardo Julián. Fish and coypu: zooarchaeological analysis of Valle Hermoso 4 Site (Colhué Huapi lake, Chubut province). Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2018, vol.11, n.1, pp.85-98. ISSN 1852-060X.

Abstract Recently archaeological investigations in Colhué Huapi Lake resulted in the detection of a high density of sites in the northeast and southwest areas. Valle Hermoso 4 site is located in the last area, in a lagoon which is empty at present but was active at least 60 years ago. This paper presents the results obtained from the zooarchaeological analysis of three surveys. The evidence recovered indicates the predominant exploitation of freshwater resources (fish, coypu and anatids) and secondary of terrestrial resources (Dasypodidae and guanaco). From taphonomic analysis and contextual features, the anthropic origin of the deposits was determined; furthermore, it was recognized the modifications of bones of two assemblages due to water action. The evidence of this site stresses the importance of freshwater fauna over the guanaco, resource commonly exploited by hunter-gatherers of neighboring Lake Musters. The abundance of fish (perch and Patagonian silverside in lesser frequency) with the artifactual evidence of the area (weights stones or sinkers), allows discussing fishing as an intensive activity during the final late Holocene.

Keywords : Central Patagonia; freshwater resources; lacustrine environment; Final Late Holocene.

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