PRÁCTICAS DE ELABORACIÓN Y USO DE LA ALFARERÍA PREHISPÁNICA DEL ESTE DE NORPATAGONIA.

The archaeological pottery from Northeastern Patagonia has been studied ever since research began in the area. However, only recently strategies combining systematic analysis and archaeometric techniques are being applied. Within this latter approach, in the present paper four ceramic assemblages were studied through macroscopic analysis, petrography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Various stages of production were characterized: local manufacturing, coiling forming technique, red pigment application, incised decorative representations and open firings technique. On this basis, different transmission mechanisms of various pottery practices, especially those related to decorative repertoires and techniques were explored at regional and macro-regional scales. Among use practices, it was inferred that some pots were used for cooking resources corresponding to rumiant mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]