High altitude human occupations in the extreme Southern Andean region. Archaeological evidence of Valle Hermoso (Malargüe, Argentina).

In this paper, we have discussed the high altitude human occupations, between 2000 and 3000 masl, in the extreme South of the Andes during the late Holocene. For this, the lithic and ceramic analyzes from the Valle Hermoso 1 site and rock art surveys of Valle Hermoso 2 and Valle Hermoso 3, are integ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista del Museo de Antropología
Main Authors: Sugrañes, Nuria, Acevedo, Agustín, Bonnat, Federico, Tucker, Hugo, Salgán, María Laura, Fiore, Danae, Gil, Adolfo, Neme, Gustavo
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:Spanish
Published: Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Museo de Antropología 2021
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Online Access:https://revistas.unc.edu.ar/index.php/antropologia/article/view/32062
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Summary:In this paper, we have discussed the high altitude human occupations, between 2000 and 3000 masl, in the extreme South of the Andes during the late Holocene. For this, the lithic and ceramic analyzes from the Valle Hermoso 1 site and rock art surveys of Valle Hermoso 2 and Valle Hermoso 3, are integrated. The evidence shows two moments of occupation during the final late Holocene: an early component (ca. 1900-1200 years BP) and a late component (ca. 1200-1500 years BP). The results indicate an intensive use of Valle Hermoso, with a high seasonal reoccupation and modifications in the organization of human population towards late moments, ca. 1200 years BP, with change in use of lithic and ceramic technology. The chronology and the archaeological record show connections with high villages (more than 3500 masl). In addition, the potential existence of formal links of rock art with remote regions, the presence of exotic elements (Coche Quemado obsidian and foreign ceramic styles) could indicate an expansion of exchange networks with distant populations. The results are discussed in the context of the rest of the archaeological sites of the South of Mendoza. En este trabajo se discuten las ocupaciones humanas de altura, entre los 2000 y 3000 msnm, en el extremo Sur andino durante el Holoceno tardío. Para ello, se integran los análisis líticos y cerámicos del sitio Valle Hermoso 1 y los relevamientos de arte rupestre de Valle Hermoso 2 y Valle Hermoso 3. Las evidencias muestran dos momentos de ocupación durante el Holoceno tardío final: un componente temprano (ca. 1900-1200 años AP) y un componente tardío (1200-250 años AP). Los resultados indican un uso intensivo de Valle Hermoso, con una alta reocupación estacional y modificaciones en la organización de las poblaciones humanas hacia momentos más tardíos, ca. 1200 años AP, con un cambio en el uso de la tecnología lítica y cerámica. La cronología y el registro arqueológico muestran conexiones con las Aldeas de Altura (más de 3500 msnm). Además, la existencia ...