Thermal alteration of small mammal from El Guanaco 2 site (Argentina): an experimental approach on armadillos bone remains (Cingulata, Dasypodidae)

• Modifications suffered by armadillo remains due to the exposure to fire are analyzed.
• Armadillo species have great geographical dispersion.
• Two experimental procedures were made: cooking and burying armors below the hearth.
• Varied degrees of alteration on scutes related to the exposure time and the temperature achieved were recognized.
• It was not observed macroscopic changes of the armors buried below the hearth.

The thermo-altered Dasypodidae bone remains from El Guanaco 2 site (ca. 9000–6000 YBP, Pampean Region, Argentina) were analyzed through an experimental study. The experimentation involved the cooking of three individuals of Chaetophractus villosus and the burring of three carapaces under the hearth, in order to recognize the degrees of burning damage on osteoderms according to the time of heat exposure and the burring depth in sediments. The results showed similarities between archaeological and actualistic assemblages, including the non-uniform burning damage and scarce endoskeleton thermal modification, but the armors buried didn't show evidence of burning damage. Based on these comparative results, it is suggested that the Dasypodidae assemblages of El Guanaco 2 site derive from hunter gatherers butchering, cooking and consumption of armadillos.