Excavación arqueológica de la iglesia del poblado hispánico del Rey Don Felipe (Patagonia Austral Chilena)

Abstract

The archeological excavation of "Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación" church, at the site where "Ciudad del Rey Don Felipe", founded by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa on March 25, 1584, was located, is described (see location in Píate 1). This small Spanish settlement had a short life. In 1587, the English corsair Thomas Cavendish found it uninhabited and named it Port Famine. Until a few years ago, it was believed that "Ciudad del Rey Don Felipe" was located somewhat farther south. However, due to the works of Veiga Alonso and Prof. Emperaire its true location was determined. According to the description left by its founder, the church was the only building with stone architectonic elements. This explains its conservation to date, despite the soil moisture of South Western Patagonia. PLATE 2 shows the remains found. Beside each object or skeleton, the registration number of the Museo de la Patagonia (where they were depositcd) and in parenthesis, their depth, are given. It should be pointed out, that during the excavation, the presence of indigenous cultural elements (strata with remains of sea food and lithic implements) dating from pre and post Spanish occupation, was esta published. To this same fact must be attributed the scarcity of european elements found at the site. After the disappearance of the spaniards, the aborigsnes would have removed everything which could be of any use to them (metáis, spanish ceramics, etc.).