ASSESSING HUMAN EVIDENCE IN THE FOREST-STEPPE MARGIN (>900 MASL) OF CENTRAL PATAGONIA: CUEVA DE PUNTA DEL MONTE (AISÉN REGION,CHILE)

This paper presents the results of archaeological investigations conducted in Punta del Monte cave site (Aisén Region,Central Patagonia). The evidence was obtained through surface collections,a rock art survey and a test excavation. Despite caution is needed when considering 14C information from this site,results suggest that the evidence is framed within the last 5,660 calibrated years. Data are discussed in a regional scale and intended to exemplify the occupation of areas where different environments,such as the forest and steppe,adjoin. Based on these preliminary results,we discuss the possibility that evidence is reflecting a situation consistent with geographical marginality.