Pescadores-recolectores arcaicos del extremo sur peruano. Excavaciones en la Quebrada de los Burros (Tacna, Perú). Primeros resultados 1995-1997

At the outset of the Archaic Period, human groups subsisting on marine resources and occasional terestrial hunting, began to settle down on the South Peruvian coast. In Quebrada de los Burros, 14C dates place these regular occupations between 9800 to 3200 BP, during a phase of a calm and relatively wet climate (see Usselmann et al., this volume). The consequent formation in the valley of fresh water or stagnant ponds created highly favourable circumstances for human settlements. Broad horizontal excavations have discovered occupation levels with several hearths, abundant lithic equipment, shell concentrations (Concholepas concholepas, Mesodesma donacium, Fissurella sp., Choromytilus chorus....) and fish remains belonging to many species, suggesting diverse and sophisticated halieutic techniques. Some remains of birds and terrestrial mammals have also been encountered. Analysis on shells, presently in progress, will try to determine wether those archaic settlements were seasonal or permanent throughout the year.