OBSIDIAN USE AMONG HUNTER-GATHERERS IN THE MUSTERS LAKE BASIN (CHUBUT, ARGENTINA): AN APPROACH FROM THE TECHNO-MORPHOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS.

This paper presents and discusses the results of techno-morphological and geochemical analyses of obsidian artifacts recovered from the Musters Lake basin, Chubut province (Argentina). The goal is to understand how hunter-gatherer groups used this exotic lithic raw material, and to identify the different types of obsidian and their sources. The results of this initial study indicate that the obsidian is exclusively from Pampa del Asador (northwest Santa Cruz province), despite the presence of other sources, such as Cerro Gaucho (Pampa del Sacanana) and Sierra Negra (Telsen), located at similar distances from the lake. Furthermore, techno-morphological analysis indicates a tendency for the use of unmodified flake and blade edges. The data presented here contribute to the discussion of the circulation and use of obsidian in Central Patagonia.