Analysis of production practices and use of the lithic materials from Empalme Querandies sites (upper basin of Tapalqué creek, pampean region)

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of the analysis of the lithic tools from the Empalme Querandíes 1 site (upper basin of Tapalqué creek, Pampean region) in order to assess the methods of production and use implemented by the hunter-gatherer groups during the Late Holocene. We use a holistic approach to technology that involves the study of the chaîne opératoire and the context of use, since they are indissoluble elements of technological practices. The results of techno-morphological and functional analyses allowed us to identify recurrent practices in relation to the methods of production (sought forms for each lithic raw material: morphology and size of the pieces) and use of stone tools (versatile side-scrapers and end-scrapers with functional integrity). Such practices are associated with know-how and know-how-to-use, socially shared by knappers and users of pre-Hispanic lithic technology in the region.