Diachronic approach to practices associated with the use of firewood in Parque Costero del Sur and its surroundings (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)

Abstract

Background: The processes of change and continuity in the practices associated with the use of firewood by the inhabitants of the Biosphere Reserve Parque Costero del Sur (PCS -acronym in Spanish) and its surroundings are analysed diachronically.Methods: Anthracological, ethnobotany historical and ethnobotanical methodology have been used.Results: In the pre-hispanic period, hunter-gatherer groups used the native species of the talar (coronillo, molle, tala and sombra de toro) and the coast (ceibo and willow), possibly as a source of light, heat, protection, in pottery production and food preparation. Subsequently, the native societies on the frontier continued to use the native species of the talar (tala, molle and sombra de toro) as firewood, with no recorded use of coastal species. Historical documentation reflects the continued use of talar trees as firewood since the colonial period, and even their overexploitation, in addition to the early introduction of exotic species for this purpose. Today, firewood continues to be a key resource in the daily lives of the inhabitants of the PCS for heating and cooking. The use of 28 species was recorded, of which six are native (tala, coronillo, molle, willow, espinillo and brusquilla). Conclusions:The results presented demonstrate the temporal continuity in the use of some native species as firewood with varying degrees of intensity and the incorporation of exotic species since the colonial period. This reflects the flexibility of the settlers in the face of socio-environmental changes, with innovations and transfers of uses from one plant to another that have enriched local practices.

Deer by the river. History of the relationship between the pampas deer (<i>Ozotoceros bezoarticus</i>) and human societies along the Río de la Plata coast

“…Gran parte de las investigaciones realizadas por el equipo Arqueología Rioplatense tienen por objetivo comprender las relaciones que las personas establecen con el entorno animal y vegetal a lo largo del tiempo. Hasta el momento, los resultados han evidenciado una relación dinámica en la cual se reconocen saberes y prácticas complejas, que incluyen continuidades, cambios, incorporaciones de nuevas especies y prácticas y resignificaciones (Alonso et al, 2019;Auge et al, 2018;Auge & Day Pilaría, 2023;Day Pilaría, 2018;Doumecq et al, 2023;García Lerena et al, 2024;Paleo & Pérez Meroni, 2004;Paleo et al, 2002Paleo et al, , 2016Pochettino et al, 2016).…”

Reflexiones sobre la comunicación y el patrimonio: muestras arqueológicas en el área rioplatense

“…En este territorio predomina el contexto rural, con algunos centros poblacionales, siendo la ciudad de Magdalena la de mayor magnitud. La principal actividad económica es la agropecuaria, y en menor medida se desarrollan la explotación de conchillas del sustrato, la industria alimenticia y el turismo Doumecq et al, 2023). Por su parte, la faja costera del partido de Berisso también posee una antigua historia poblacional y una dinámica biocultural de gran riqueza.…”