Aquatic environments in Archaeology

Abstract

In this article we discuss the importance of aquatic environments for past societies, and the ways in which this topic has been approached in archaeological research. Although framed at a global scale, the focus is on hunter-gatherer, fisher, and/or small-scale horticulture societies, with special emphasis on Argentina and Southern South America. Aquatic environments are considered here in their broadest sense, including both marine and continental lands, and also still/moving, and shallow/deep bodies of water. After a general summary on the importance of aquatic environments throughout human history, this article focuses on three main topics. First, the different ways, and technological strategies in which humans exploit aquatic landscapes (navigation, use of water, and exploitation of mineral, animal and plant resources). Following, the differences in the use intensity of aquatic environments by humans; in order to categorize this diversity four different variants were defined (punctual use, occasional use, sustained use, and intensive use) for each of which archaeological expectations were defined. Finally, we also review certain relevant aspects connecting aquatic environments to social communication and symbolism.