Sources of obsidian artefacts, exchange networks and landscape use in Auca Mahuida (Neuquén, north‐western Patagonia)

Abstract

The results of the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of 59 obsidian samples from 11 archaeological sites in the Auca Mahuida region of north‐western Neuquén, Argentina, are present. They indicate that several obsidian sources were used; however, the intensities of their exploitation were variable. Strong differences appear between the Colorado River basin, characterized by a low variability of obsidian groups from northern Neuquén; the Auca volcano, with a low variability of obsidian groups, but from local sources located north and southwards of the study area; and along Bajo del Añelo, which presents a high variability of obsidian groups from several local and non‐local sources. The pattern recorded fits different mechanisms of access to the sources and the conveyance of obsidian across the landscape. Two distinct paths of direct access are suggested for obsidian availability along the Colorado River in northern Neuquén and for Portada Covunco obsidian in central Neuquén. Additionally, the presence of obsidian from sources in southern Neuquén province (Cerro Las Planicies‐Lago Lolog), located about 350 km from the study area, is suggested. While not yet conclusive, this possibility parsimoniously integrates the available geochemical and spatial information, allowing the existence of either long‐distance transport or indirect access by exchange or similar mechanisms to be proposed.