Extra-regional relations in Patagonia. Discussion from the analysis of foreign artifacts made on the land snail Megalobulimus

Abstract

Megalobulimus land snails mainly inhabit the tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Their presence in archaeological contexts is relatively common within their natural range, and artifacts made from their shells can also be found in various parts of the Southern Cone. From an analysis of materials and bibliography we identify 12 sites in Patagonia where artifacts made from this foreign raw material were found. Some of these are located at distances of up to 2,000 km from their probable source and were recovered in different environments, such as the north coast of Santa Cruz, the central plateau, the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, and near rivers. A morphological analysis of the variability of these objects of adornment is carried out and compared with available data for the central region of the country, where there is clear evidence of local manufacturing and a greater diversity of typologies. The contexts of discovery and aspects relating to the existence of extensive exchange networks are analysed. These results reflect how different types of societies were connected, making it possible to transport these pieces over long distances and allowing Patagonia and the centre of the country to be related for almost 4000 years.