Ethnoarchaeology in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina): a Methodological Experiment on Social Dynamics

Abstract

For over 25 years several Spanish-Argentine ethnoarchaeological projects have been conducted in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) in order to contrast archaeologically the ethnographic record of Hunter-Gatherer societies. The main objective has been the development of a methodology capable to rebuild the social organization of these societies. A methodology that later could be applied to other archaeological contexts. We adopted a comprehensive –archaeological, ethnographic, taphonomic and experimental approach – and we call it “Experimental Ethnoarchaeology”. In the frame of these projects several archaeological sites dated 19th century were excavated. Therefore, these sites belong to the period of European contact with native societies, from which broad ethnographic data is available. In this paper, we outline the various projects that have been carried out and point the most remarkable key findings. However, the discussion will focus on comparing the results of two Yamana settlements, Túnel VII and Lanashuaia, both located on the north coast of the Beagle Channel.