Obsidian in the south-central Andes: Geological, geochemical, and archaeological assessment of north Patagonian sources (Argentina)

This paper presents a synthesis of geological, geochemical, and archaeological information for the Huenul obsidian source located in northern Patagonia (Neuquén Province, Argentina). Important information recently published on other obsidian sources in the South-Central Andes of Argentina and Chile provide the context for this endeavor, allowing evaluation of the role of this lithic source within the network of human mobility and interaction on different spatial scales. It is suggested here that Huenul obsidian is genetically related with the Tilhué Formation, already been mapped in detail. This regional information provides a search model for geoarchaeological surveys. This raw material displays a remarkable supra-regional distribution in the archaeological record, although it is regionally under-represented. Three alternative hypotheses explaining the distribution of Huenul obsidians allow evaluation of technological decisions, marginal vs. nuclear role of certain spaces for past human societies, and territorial organization.