Archaeological studies in the highlands of Salta, Northwestern Argentina, during Middle Holocene: The case of the Pocitos and Pastos Grandes Basins

Abstract

This comparative article analyses the archaeological diversity in two basins of the Puna of Salta (Pastos Grandes and Pocitos), Northwestern Argentina, during the Middle Holocene and beginning of the Late Holocene. The article adopts an evolutionary ecology theoretical framework. The analysis methods include surveys and excavations of different sectors within both basins, including the study of the archaeological material thereof. This article focuses on four main lines of evidence: the use of space, lithic technology, and archaeofaunal and bioarchaeological assemblages. The results show an intensive, but diversified, use of the region. The archaeological record across the region suggests both similarities and differences between Pastos Grandes, Pocitos and other areas in the Puna region. Furthermore, the archaeological evidence indicates that during the Middle Holocene and the beginning of the Late Holocene important changes occurred concerning different aspects of human settlement in the area.