Exploring latitudinal patterns of lithic technology variation in continental coastal Patagonia, Argentina

This work explores the compositional variation of stone tool assemblages on the coast of continental Patagonia, Argentina, on a latitudinal scale. By means of statistical procedures, we evaluate the role of the environment and geography in changes in relative diversity of different tool classes. Results suggest that both environment and geography account for a statistically significant part of the variation. The observed pattern suggests a latitudinal gradient in diversity that might be explained as the result of the historical process of human peopling of Patagonia as well as of selective mechanisms related to energy acquisition.

► Lithic technology varies along latitudinal scale along Patagonian coast.
► Observed variation is related with environmental and spatial variables.
► Results support the hypothesis of spatial structuration on a latitudinal scale.
► Technology related evolutionary processes can explain observed pattern.