Arqueología y Biogeografía humana en el lago Nahuel Huapi: evaluando el rol del ambiente boscoso-lacustre norpatagónico y su vinculación con la estepa

Abstract

In this work a biogeographic-based archaeological model is generated for the southwestern Rio Negro and Neuquén provinces, focusing on the area of Nahuel Huapi lake. A ranking of environments is established considering topography, productivity and seasonality. A first test of the model is develop considering the published rock art evidence. Frequency of sites, motifs, techniques, colors and design are analyzed considering the large environmental units available in the area: forest, ecotone and steppe. The results indicate a regionally heterogeneous and fragmented landscape with very dissimilar conditions for transit and human habitation. The initial discussion of these model with the rock art record indicates a close correspondence between techniques, colors and designs each one of the environmental units available in the Nahuel Huapi Lake area and the ecotonal and steppe sectors to the east.