Procesos de manufactura e identificación taxonómica de pieles en Norpatagonia argentina (Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi)

Abstract

The first results of the analysis of processed skins recovered at the Puerto Tranquilo 1 site, located in the extreme north of Victoria Island, in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, Province of Neuquén, Argentina, are presented. The studied material comes from a late level, above a hearth dated at 640 ± 60 years BP (1288-1431 cal AD). The set includes both hairy and depilated skin fragments, with tendon and hair stitch- ing, painted and with repairs. A specific methodology was applied for the analysis of skins and fibers, with a detailed technical-morphological description from macro- and microscopic analysis (SEM/optical). The characteristics of the medulla and the cuticle of the fibers allowed the identification of Lama guanicoe and Mustelidae (cf. Galictis). Novel analytical and methodological strategies were applied and new data were generated about the different dimensions in the human use of faunal resources and in the production of technologies in the North Patagonian forest-lacustrine area. The comparison with other archaeological, ethnographic and ethnohistorical evidence allowed us to recognize recurrent technological patterns in the preparation of skins and in the manufacture of artifacts, as part of the leather production process in North Patagonia.