Tracking traces of coastal populations in forgotten coastal landscapes of the semi-arid: New archaeological evidence from Totoralillo, Región de Coquimbo

Abstract

The coast of Totoralillo is located between the extensive bays of Coquimbo and Tongoy, which have a combined length of 60 kilometers and an average width of approximately 3 to 5 kilometers. A wide geomorphological range can be recognized in this area, which allows for the existence of ecosystems with rich biodiversity, making it an area with significant research potential for the study of past coastal societies. However, this attractive scenario contrasts with the absence of systematicity and continuity in archeological studies that just have characterized in very general and fragmented terms the way these prehispanic populations inhabited this coastal area. In this way, the following work presents the results obtained from archaeological inspection and photogrammetric survey activities conducted in Totoralillo. Preliminary results show an intense occupation of the coastline with significant presence of rock shelters and shell-midden settlements. It is on this basis that a particular settlement system is analyzed, along with the evidence that constitutes this coastal landscape, the potential relations with other sectors of the coast, the relevance of the methodologies used for this type of contexts, and the perspective offered by the development of systematic studies in the area, displaying the archaeological relevance of this territory.