The coarse volcanic rock industry at rio ibáñez 6 west, Aisén region, Patagonian Chile

Excavations at the stratified rockshelter, Rio Ibáñez 6 west (RI-6 west), located in west-central Patagonia, uncovered a previously unrecognized lithic industry featuring the production of a range of tools from coarse volcanic rock actually derived from the wall of the shelter. Tool forms from this material at RI-6 west include a variety of bifaces, projectile points, picks, knives, and wedges. This paper will present a description of the industry with a focus on production techniques and tool functions. Conclusions are drawn with a focus on relationships between patterns of lithic technology and those associated with food procurement and processing activities. The study suggests that tools were produced to function as situational and transported personal gear. An implication is that many factors affect decisions to use coarse stone for tool production and use.