Maritime Hunter-Gatherers in the Chonos Archipelago (43 degrees 50'-46 degrees 50' S), Western Patagonian Channels

Abstract

This article presents the current advances in archeological research on the Western Patagonian Channels, specifically the Chonos Archipelago (43 degrees 50'-46 degrees 50' S). Based on a large spatial scale, we aim to contribute to the discussion of the dispersion and characteristics of the occupation of the Pacific coast of southernmost South America. Results show that all of the contexts recorded do not exceed 3600 cal BP. Site formation processes that may have acted in the preservation of the archeological record of this area led us to question if this region was among the last to be settled (as suggested by current chronological data), or if the dynamic tectonic activity that permanently transforms this coast is playing a major role in concealing earlier evidence, thereby introducing a significant research bias.