Sources, circulation, and use of obsidian in central Chile

Sanhueza, Lorena; Cornejo, Luis; Duran, Victor; Cortegoso, Valeria; Yebra, Lucia; Glascock, Michael D.; MacDonald, Brandi L.; Giesso, Martin

Abstract

A geochemical analysis of 382 obsidian samples from different archeological sites in Central Chile (32 degrees-35 degrees Lat. South) has identified the preferential use of three known sources in the Andean mountain range, Arroyo Paramillos and Laguna del Diamante located in the Maipo Volcano area, and Las Cargas located ca 120 km further south. The analysis of the circulation and use of this raw material from the beginning of the Archaic period until the arrival of the Inka to this territory reveals differences in how obsidian from these three main sources was used, both spatially and temporally. The hunter-gatherers occupying the Andean mountain range preferred the obsidian source from the Maipo Volcano area, while the hunter gatherer and horticulturalist groups from the central valley used more frequently the obsidian from Las Cargas source. These differences are linked to the quality of the obsidian, its suitability for the intended use and the distance of the users from the source.

Más información

Título según WOS: Sources, circulation, and use of obsidian in central Chile
Título de la Revista: QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
Volumen: 574
Editorial: Elsevier
Fecha de publicación: 2021
Página de inicio: 13
Página final: 26
DOI:

10.1016/j.quaint.2020.11.011

Notas: ISI