Análisis de secciones delgadas de materias primas líticas provenientes de la localidad arqueológica La María, Meseta Central de Santa Cruz, Argentina

Abstract

This paper analyzes the lithology of siliceous raw materials from different sources of La María archaeological locality, which are potentially knappable . The locality is placed at the center of the Deseado Massif, Santa Cruz, Argentina, between 48° 24’ S and 48° 35’ S and 68° 47’ W and 68° 56’ W. In order to analyze the different lithological types, thin sections of regular to good knapping quality rocks are examined. The main goal is to inquire about intra and intersource lithological variability. Furthermore, the microscopic characterization of the raw material types most frequently identifi ed in the sources is performed –these rocks have been recognized macroscopically at regional archaeological sites–. Finally, the possibility of developing provenience studies on lithic artifacts made on these raw materials is evaluated.