LITHIC WEIGHTS, FISHES AND CETACEAN REMAINS ON PUNTA CATALINA 3 SETTLEMENT (2.300 YEARS BP)

Abstract

Analysis of Punta Catalina 3 site, on coastal northeastern Tierra del Fuego, is herein presented. The archaeological context yields lithic weights, remains of ï¬ sh and cetaceans, and other cultural evidences. Remains are attributed to a selknam, or pre selknam, settlement. Excavations on an extense shell midden allowed to recover information related to fishing practices which dated to 2.300 BP. Activities which took place on the coast, are of special interest for the better understanding of the significance of marine resources, among insular indigenous peoples, with an economic emphasis towards terrestrial game hunting.