Pescadores de la tradición cultural Englefield. Datos preliminares en la zona del Estrecho de Magallanes y mar de Otway XII Region de Magallanes, Chile

Abstract

The first canoe occupations, 6000 yr bP in the Strait of Magellan and Otway sea, count with important information on the hunting of marine mammals and their importance in the canoe way of life (Legoupil 1997, San Román 2010, San Román 2011). Similarly, but to a lesser extent, consumption and use of birds (Lefèvre 1997). Nevertheless, so far nothing is known about the exploitation and consumption of fish in this particular area and period. In order to meet this lifestyle aspect and exploitation of resources from more remote coast environments and marine depths, the results of an ictioarchaeological study of ancient archaeological remains from Punta Santa Ana 1 site, recovered by Omar Ortiz-Troncoso (1975, 1979) and attributed to cultural tradition Englefield, are presented. Also, to compare occupations in the same period, assuming the mobility of these groups and their use of various microenvironments of inland seas, evidence of fish found in a test pit at Pizzulic 2 site, located on the Englefield Island, is considered. Results show a clear focus on Salilota australis (brótula) fishing, species that lives in seabed environments in subtidal areas but prefers greater depths. PSA-1 shows a more diversifed pattern of exploitation that Pizzulic-2. The presence of Rajiform elements (rays) in both sites, especially in Punta Santa Ana 1, is highlighted. These remains have not appeared in contemporary or later contexts.