SETTING PATTERNS: A METHODOLOGICAL TOOL FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PAST

This purpose of this work - theoretical and conceptual in nature-is to examine in depth and report on the intense debate taking place in academic circles (both domestic and international) regarding the concept of settling patterns since its introduction in Anthropology in the middle of the twentieth century. More than a simple review of the concept in itself, we seek to prove the suitability of this tool, its level of abstraction and theoretical construct when undertaking research aiming to properly approach - from an archaeological standpoint-social processes of any kind in their historic dynamic, since this tool presents itself as a clear and essential tool for reconstructing the ways of life of the past and, also, as a strategic starting point when interpreting archaeological cultures and the place where they are located.