Abstract

MORELLO R, FLAVIA. TECHNOLOGY AND FLAKE OBTENTION METHODS IN THE NORTH OF TIERRA DEL FUEGO: : THE CORES OF CABO SAN VICENTE SITE. Magallania [online]. 2005, vol.33, n.2, pp. 29-56. ISSN 0718-2244.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-22442005000200004.

This study examines lithic material from the Cabo San Vicente I collection from a technological perspective. This collection, composed of material from the north coast of Tierra del Fuego island, Patagonia -Chile, was put together by Annette Laming-Emperaire in 1959. The study presented here focuses on lithic cores by approaching their reduction sequences as planned actions within a broader cultural framework. First, the study identifies core reduction systems in order to discuss the key technical concepts that frame specific sequences. Second, the study attempts to characterize the potential supports or products by examining their production sequences. The results of the study enable a distinction between four methods of core reduction geared to the production of useful flakes: a Levallois-like method, a unipolar secant technique on thick flakes, a method of flake slices on anvil, and a discoidal core reduction method. These results are discussed by considering the relations between these four methods in view of raw material availability, sequences of core reuse, and evidence of an expedient technical strategy at Cabo San Vicente. Finally, the development of a core reduction economy, based on the versatility of the Levallois concept as an integrated technique that produces different types of supports, is postulated

Keywords : Tierra del Fuego; Patagonia; lithic technology; Levallois; core reduction (débitage).