Archaeological silence and ecorefuges: arid events in the Puna of Atacama during the Middle Holocene
Publisher DOI
Abstract
This paper briefly summarizes presearch concerning the mid-Holocene in the western slope of the puna de Atacama (20–25°S). Proxy data and dates from palynological, limnological, geomorphological archives were compared with data recovered from the archaeological sites in high altitude basins, intermediate ravines and piemontane paleowetlands. Due to exceptionally favorable conditions, numerous Early Holocene archaeological sites were found. In contrast, the lack of occupations in previously populated areas suggests a decline in human activity during the arid mid-Holocene. In this context, two key concepts are introduced: ecorefuge or ecological refuge, and archaeological silence (silencio arqueológico). The first refers to the particular favorable locations occupied by human groups during the mid-Holocene. The second provides a better understanding about the impact of the arid interval during this period on human adaptations in the most barren territories of the New World.
Date Issued
2013
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Núñez, Lautaro | |
Cartajena, Isabel |
Additional Credits
Journal
Quaternary International
Publisher
Pergamon Press
ISSN
1040-6182
Access(Rights)
restricted