Settlement Chronology and Subsistence Patterns in Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP), within the East Cape of Baja California Sur, Mexico, is the location of a highly productive rocky reef ecosystem that was likely attractive to people throughout the Holocene. AMS radiocarbon dates from sites along the coast and faunal data from two excavated sites, D20 and D27, indicate people were present in the region by at least 7120–6755 cal b.p. (D34), but evidence of persistent occupation and possibly higher population densities postdates 2110–1945 cal b.p. (D27, Unit 1). The most prominent sites with intact stratified archaeological deposits appear to be focused adjacent to prominent rocky points, where assemblages include a variety of marine mollusks, fish, birds, terrestrial and marine mammals, and sea turtle remains. At both D20 and D27, there is evidence people targeted small fishes including sardines, likely with nets. This study highlights the strong archaeological potential in CPNP to address questions about human coastal adaptations and population history during the Holocene, emphasizing the importance of protecting cultural resources in an area at risk from growing tourism and residential development.