Browsing by Author "Lopez-Mendoza, Patricio"

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    Provenance and long-term circulation of archaeological obsidian in the Puna de Copiapo (25-27°S), South-Central Andes
    (2023) Loyola, Rodrigo; Lopez-Mendoza, Patricio; Carrasco, Carlos; Glascock, Michael D.; Flores-Aqueveque, Valentina; Mendez, Victor; Varas, Daniel; Orrego, Vanessa
    We present obsidian compositional data obtained by X-ray fluorescence analysis in the Andean highlands (25-27 degrees S/68-69 degrees W) of northern Chile. Seventy-six samples (n = 76) from three lithic sources and six archaeological sites were analyzed, covering a chronological sequence from 10,100 to 500 cal BP. Compositional analyses indicate the exploitation of the Cienaga Redonda and Cerro Manchado local sources as well as Ona-Las Cuevas and Salar del Hombre Muerto located between 200 and 230 km away on the eastern slope of the Andes, in northwestern Argentina. The results obtained show that the Puna de Copiapo has been a key area for circulation between the eastern and western slopes of the Andes since pre-Columbian times.
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    Terminal Pleistocene-Early Holocene human occupation in north-central Chile
    (2024) Troncoso, Andres; Pascual Grau, Daniel; Escudero, Antonia; Pino, Mariela; Hernandez, Daniel; Lopez-Mendoza, Patricio; Moya Cañoles, Francisca Andrea; Armstrong, Felipe; Vera, Francisca; Delgado, Manuela; Artigas, Diego; Larach, Pablo; Chavez, Maria Alejandra
    While a clear human presence may be recognised in the Andes by 12 000-11 000 cal BP, most archaeological research has focused on occupation of the Andean highlands. To understand the initial occupation of inland areas of South America, the authors consider regional connections and spatial exploitation strategies of hunter-gatherers highlighted in a recent survey of Andean sites. Focusing on north-central Chile, artefacts and radiocarbon dates from three rock shelters suggest sporadic and brief occupation during the Terminal Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Co-occurrence of marine and montane resources, the authors argue, demonstrates a strategy of high mobility and local adaptation in early Andean occupation, using rock shelters as landmarks to navigate and learn new landscapes.