Post Depositional Processes

Puesto Roberts 1-PR1-is an open-air archaeological site emplaced in a deflation sector that offer the possibility to investigate diverse lithic activities carried out by hunter-gatherers in central Patagonia Argentine. The site is located on the coast of Colhué Huapi lake, in Chubut province. In this work, we present a techno-morphological and intra-site spatial analysis of the lithic artifactual assemblage to discuss about stone tool production, lithic raw materials and to explore the activities that were carried out at the site. The action of post-depositional natural agents that may have caused the mobilization of materials and lithic refits are also analysed to bring insights into the spatial distribution of artifacts. The site is the result of the anthropogenic action, and the mobilization of certain materials produced mainly by the action of wind and water it was recognized. Different stages of knapping, lithic raw materials and lithic tools were recognized. Finally, PR1 is interpreted as an open-air campsite of short duration in its occupation on the late Holocene. Evidences of almost exclusive processing and consumption of carcass of Lama guanicoe were identified. This differs from sites recorded around the lake with chronologies similar to PR1, which show evidences of processing and consumption of fish. Therefore, PR1 contributes to the knowledge of the variability of human activities developed in this lacustrine landscape.

In situ archaeological assemblages are scarce. Most artefacts are affected by post-depositional processes, which complicate the identification of human factors involved in the formation of lithic workshops, such as hand laterality, knapping positions, and knapping expertise. In this regard, experimental archaeology can reproduce past processes to test present hypotheses. In this study, experimental knapping processes were carried out to examine how techniques and methods learned by experience can affect waste flake assemblages. Our results show that, in addition to knapping position, experience affects both flake measurements and spatial distribution. The techniques applied, the knappers’ skill and the control of the application of force all affect spatial flake distribution. However, flakes do not exhibit any preferential orientation, contrary to those affected by some post-depositional factors. The experimental design and results could contribute to the ability to discern Palaeolithic in situ assemblages as well as some human factors that affect their formations.

Archeological sites, undergoing the processes of abandonment and finally deposition over
long periods, change their shape under the influence of natural and unnatural processes and
appear in a new topography. During these processes, the natural factors, given the regional
and ecological characteristics and contingencies on the one hand and unnatural factors
such as various human activities on the other hand, play different roles in changing the
shape of the site and its artifacts. In fact, analyzing these factors in the fabric/context of an
archeological site can reveal the post-settlement processes at the site. In words by studying
post-depositional processes at an archaeological site, we seek information regarding
patterns which cause formation, shaping and deformation of the site in its present shape.
In this regard, the initial studies at Tepe Ferizi indicate that after deposition process and
formation of archeological layers, its current form (and its particular topography) has been
affected by natural factors due to specific ecological characteristics of the area. Tepe Ferizi
is located in the Northwest of Sabzevar in North-Eastern Iran. Conducted surveys have
shown Tepe Ferizi to date to the Bronze Age, with the majority of the remains belonging
to the Bactria Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC).1
Considering the dispersion
of surface artifacts at this site, it can be regarded as one of the largest BMAC settlements
in the Northeast of Iran. This study of post-depositional processes in Ferizi site aims to
extract the formation patterns of deposits formation of depositions and cultural layers after
the abandonment of site and to examine different climatic, ecological and human factors in
these transformations and events