The role of molluscs in pre-hispanic populations of Uruguay

The presence of molluscs in archaeological contexts is usual given their importance for food and within the ritualistic and symbolic spheres as well for tool making and as constructive material. We summarize the evidences about differential use of mollusks made by hunther-gatherers that inhabited th...

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Autores principales: Gascue, Andrés, Scarabino, Fabrizio, Bortolotto, Noelia, Clavijo, Cristhian, Capdepont, Irina
Formato: Artículo revista
Lenguaje:Español
Publicado: Centro de Estudios Históricos. UA CONICET 2019
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Acceso en línea:https://revistas.unc.edu.ar/index.php/comechingonia/article/view/25961
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Sumario:The presence of molluscs in archaeological contexts is usual given their importance for food and within the ritualistic and symbolic spheres as well for tool making and as constructive material. We summarize the evidences about differential use of mollusks made by hunther-gatherers that inhabited the fluvial littoral, estuarine and oceanic shores of Uruguay during late Holocene. Special attention was paid to taxonomic attribution and inferred uses. We made an exhaustive bibliographic survey, as well as the analysis of material present in some public collections, focusing on the ways of use and processes of intercultural regional interchange. The molluscs are mainly associated to symbolic aspects (ornamental and funerary) of these cultures and, to economic ones associated to food consumption and production of utilitarian artefacts. From the contextual point of view, they are associated with spaces of mostly domestic activities, as well as with others that combine diverse activities (domestic, constructive and / or funerary) ranging from ca. 3300 14C years BP to 500 14C years BP.