Sea bird fowling in southern Patagonia

A contribution to understanding the nomadic round of the Canoeros Indians

Bibliographic Data

ID12371681
AuthorsChristine Lefèvre (0000-0001-7388-559X, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, corresponding author)
Year1997
Volume7
Issue4
Pages260-270
Publication date1997-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-482X • E-ISSN: 1099-1212
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/(sici)1099-1212(199707/08)7:4<260::aid-oa372>3.0.co;2-8
OpenAlexW2070535356
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited2

As well as providing data on meat yield, avian remains can be expected to give information on seasonality, an important parameter for understanding prehistoric hunting economies. An archaeological survey conducted in the Skyring Sea (Province of Magellan, Chile) between 1992 and 1994 provided bird bone assemblages that have been analysed with this aim in mind, of which 12 are discussed here. Cormorants and steamer ducks constitute 97 per cent of the specimens identified. The proportions of avian remains are compared with the mammals remains, and mostly show a predominance of the former. The status and seasonal distribution of animal resources are discussed in order to understand the motivation for such a specialization on bird hunting, when mammals (Artiodactyls and Pinnipeds) can bring a much higher yield of meat. This nomadic marine economy can best be understood when comparisons are made with other sites from the same cultural area. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Archaeology · Biology · Distribution (mathematics · Fishery · Geography · Prehistory · Seasonality · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Marine animal studies overview · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology · Ecology