EVIDENCE OF FRESHWATER FAUNAL EXPLOITATION IN THE LOWER VALLEY OF THE CHUBUT RIVER, CENTRAL PATAGONIA, DURING THE LATE HOLOCENE.

This article presents and discusses the results of a new archaeofaunal study of two archaeological sites from the lower valley of the Chubut River, dated to 1500 - 1200 BP. These assemblages stand out because of the exploitation of freshwater fauna (fish, birds and coipo) over the guanaco, the main resource for hunters-gatherers from Patagonia. The relationship between the faunal remains, intensification processes, and situational factors, such as sudden and catastrophic river floods, is discussed.