A team of archaeologists from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Museum of the National University of La Plata and Conicet has been working for three decades on the sites of the locality of La María, located south of the central plateau of Santa Cruz. Under the direction of researcher Rafael Paunero, they found a record of twelve thousand years of human occupation that includes lithic technology (stone tools with different types of rocks and minerals), hearth remains, and cave paintings.
“Our studies show that in this region there lived nomadic societies that moved in a planned way within socially defined territories.. Their daily social practices included working, playing, obtaining resources, and choosing campsites. They also painted, made clothes and tools,” says the archaeologist. Catalina Davis suitcase.
In this sense, The societies that lived there knew their territories intimately and established close connections with the landscapes, animals, plants and minerals.. According to the testimonies found, these populations hunted guanacos, choiques and foxes. They also collected plants and birds’ eggs and stocked up on rocks and pigments.
For their part, the finds found in the excavations indicate this They had specific knowledge, skills and techniques that allowed them to make tools from stone, bone and wood.. In addition, pigments were used to decorate, paint walls, awnings, clothes and the body.
“Sometimes we tend to think that rock paintings had a decorative function, but In these caves we believe that these populations have left messages of all kinds. There are very clear images of animals and hunting scenes that could indicate how they obtained their food. The instruments or the distance at which the prey is from the hunter are observed very well,” he explains. Raúl González Duboxarchaeologist from the same working group.
Although it may seem anecdotal, these investigations allow us to account for a historical process lasting over 12 thousand years in the Province.
Fire, stone and paint
Both from the archaeological documentation and from the study of travellers’ chronicles, we know this The different communities used fire with social, symbolic and technological functions. In Patagonia, people have maintained this way of organizing life for many millennia, although at different times this was expressed differently.
For example, in one of the latest investigations conducted at the Cueva del Nido site –located in Santa Cruz–, scientists showed how this space was repeatedly inhabited. There they made their stone tools and found a multiplicity of cave paintings.
Furthermore, in some caves there are numerous superimposed images of children’s and adults’ hands which were probably used as road signs. “We understood that these were messages aimed at conveying a certain feeling of trust regarding the safety of the place in which to live.”, explains González Dubox.
Many archaeologies
Every 18 September in Argentina Archeology Day is celebrated in homage to the birth of Florentino Ameghino, one of the most important Argentine scientists of the late 19th century. “Far from being a uniform disciplinepresents a diversity of perspectives and ways of doing things. The different ways of life adopted by the original societies and the large extension of the national territory require numerous archaeologies”, underlines the researcher.
And he continues: “In our case, through surveys, excavations and surveys of rock art sites, We try to recover material evidence that allows us to investigate the social organization and daily life of the populations that inhabited Patagonia.. We focused on their connections with animals and plants, how they ate, the technologies they developed and ways of communicating.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Rafael Paunero, Lead Archaeologist
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Dr. Paunero! Thank you for joining us today. Your team’s research in La María, Santa Cruz, certainly sounds fascinating. Can you tell us about the significance of your findings over the past three decades?
Dr. Rafael Paunero (RP): Thank you for having me! Our research at La María has unveiled an incredible 12,000 years of human occupation. This timeline reflects the resilience and adaptability of nomadic societies. They weren’t just surviving; they were cultivating a deep understanding of their environment.
TNE: That’s remarkable! You mentioned that these societies had specific knowledge about their environment. What does that look like in terms of their everyday practices?
RP: These groups were highly adaptive, engaging in activities like hunting guanacos and choiques, gathering edible plants, and utilizing local resources. They had detailed knowledge about their territory, which allowed them to plan their movements and select campsites effectively.
TNE: It sounds like a rich tapestry of social life. How did their relationship with the environment influence their technological advancements, particularly in tool-making?
RP: Great question! The tools they created from stone, bone, and wood were not merely functional; they represented a sophisticated understanding of materials. Our finds show that these communities utilized various minerals to craft their tools, indicating they had specific skills and techniques honed over generations.
TNE: And what about the cave paintings? You’ve suggested that they might convey messages beyond mere decoration. Can you elaborate on that?
RP: Absolutely! We found vivid depictions of animals and hunting scenes that seem to tell a story—not just an artistic expression. These images likely served multiple purposes, from communication to teaching younger generations about hunting practices. It’s a form of storytelling that encapsulates their experiences and knowledge.
TNE: That’s fascinating! It gives a glimpse into their worldview. How do you think your ongoing research reshapes our understanding of Patagonia’s cultural history?
RP: Our findings are crucial for understanding the continuity and evolution of these societies. They allow us to document a historical process that spans thousands of years, illustrating how distinct communities interacted with each other and their landscapes. It challenges the idea that Patagonia was a barren land without rich cultural development.
TNE: How do you see your work influencing contemporary views on nomadic cultures?
RP: I hope to highlight the complexity of nomadic lifestyles. They were far from primitive; instead, they were adept at navigating and thriving in their environments. Recognizing their technological and social sophistication helps us appreciate the diverse pathways of human development.
TNE: As a final thought, what do you believe is the most crucial takeaway from your research for both academic audiences and the public?
RP: The most important takeaway is the respect for and acknowledgment of the deep historical ties between people and their land. Every stone tool, every pigment used, speaks of a relationship built over generations. Understanding this can inspire greater appreciation for our indigenous cultures and their wisdom.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Paunero, for sharing your insights. Your work is truly vital in piecing together the rich history of human engagement with the landscape of Patagonia.
RP: Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to share this story.