Sequence of Lithic Production at the Site of Mesada del Agua Salada, Caspinchango, Yocavil Valley

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the production sequence of lithic technology at the site called «Mesada del Agua Salada», located in the Yocavil Valley, Catamarca. This site is made up of two rooms nestled in the foothills of Aconquija, one of which corresponds chronologically to the first millennium AD, while the second corresponds to the Later Period. Evidences of manufacturing activities (formatization and regularization of edges) and possibly use are predominantly recorded. Evidences of extraction and reactivation of instruments are identified in lesser extent. In general, the instruments of «Mesada del Agua Salada» show a low degree of formatization, being obsidian the raw material which demonstrates a greater technological effort. We emphasize the continuity in the use of the same varieties of obsidian and the convergence in the same technological options from the Formative Period to the Late Period in the Southern Yocavil Valley.