Archaeology of the Upper Delta of the Paraná River (Argentina): Mound Construction and Anthropic Landscapes in the Los Tres Cerros locality

This article synthesizes the first results of the archaeological and geoarchaeological research at the archaeological locality of Los Tres Cerros, in particular one of its sites (Los Tres Cerros 1: LTC1). The sedimentological analysis of the site and its surroundings is presented, together with a discussion on its formation processes. In addition the results of the preliminary analysis of the pottery, fauna (especially fish), human bones and lithic materials are outlined. Eleven new 14C dates from the locality are given, which place human occupation between 920 and 560 14C BP. It is proposed that the site was intentionally developed adjacent to a river and that it was probably multifunctional. Subsistence during the occupation of the site was oriented to the exploitation of fluvial resources, especially fish and the coipo (otter). The pottery is compatible with what is known as the Goya-Malabrigo cultural entity. The consideration of this archaeological entity as a sociotechnical aggregate is proposed. The site is articulated within a larger system of settlement and anthropic modification that has precedents in the lowlands of South America.