Mandíbulas y maxilares: un primer acercamiento a los conjuntos arqueofaunísticos del Alero Fontana (RI-22; XI Región)

Abstract

The systematic analysis and recording of dental eruption and wear patterns for huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) remains recovered on archaeological excavations at Alero Fontana, Rio Ibanez Valley (46°S, XI Region, Chile) provides a preliminary approach to several problems related to prehistoric human adaptation on the Patagonian Andean forests. Several problems and assumptions embedded within the method of aging by dental eruption and wear patterns are discussed. Finally, several alternative hypotheses are advanced concerning the prehistoric use of this species, hunting selectivity, occupation seasonality, etc., complementing the discussion with ethological and ethnographic observations.