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This paper presents archaeological information from the Quebrada de Cavi, Puna de Salta, Argentina. We show the existence of an archaeological distribution with sectors of high artefactual density and diversity, which began to be formed, hypothetically, during the early to mid-Holocene transition, by hunter-gatherers with a localized use of space, next to bodies of water, with hunting and lithic resources. This resulted in the formation of persistent places associated with lithic reduction activities and resource processing during the mid-Holocene. The subsequent use of the vega in productive activities with livestock facilities gave rise to the formation of palimpsests with low temporal resolution and high artefactual density. We propose that this long-term anthropization of space produced the formation of a constructed lithic landscape, which in historical times served as a source of large-volume stones for the construction of walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work discusses the archaeological patterns of the Nacimiento and Matancillas localities -Puna of Salta (Argentina)- by using decreasing inclusivity spatial analysis units and architectural, zooarchaeological, ceramic and lithic evidence. Whereas Nacimiento displays a dwelling building process that shaped extensive palimpsests of artifact distributions, in Matancillas this process is observed with less extensive architectural palimpsests and more site aggregation. This suggests the prevalence of extensive and logistical use of space strategies in Nacimiento since the late early Holocene, and a higher residentiality and more intensive use of space in Matancillas, due to ecological factors that conditioned long-term human occupation, particularly the altitude differences and the uneven presence of water and hunting game distribution. Finally, we show how the archaeological record, approached through different spatial units, can report on differences in past adaptations as a result of long-term ecological conditions at different scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]