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Lithic raw materials sources in the coast of San Matías Gulf (Río Negro province, Argentina). A regional synthesis

Abstract:

Archaeological investigations carried out in San Matías Gulf coast (Río Negro province, Argentina) have led to the identification of potential sources of lithic raw materials located in different landforms of the landscape along the entire area. These sources are mainly secondary; until now only four primary sources have been identified, located on the West coast of the Gulf, among which only two show evidence of human use. In this paper the potential and effectively exploited sources of raw materials that located until now are presented, and their particular characteristics and quality for flaking activities are detailed. Furthermore, the results of the determination of rock types at a macroscopic level and through thin sections and their identification using a petrographic microscope are described. The criteria used to assemble the reference lithotheque for the area are also presented. Finally, trends about circulation of rocks (local and non-local) in space are briefly outlined.