Research has revealed significant insights into prehistoric craft production in Argentina, particularly through the examination of ancient bone arrow points from the Late Prehispanic Period, approximately between 1220 and 330 cal BP. A study led by Dr. Matías Medina and his colleagues, Sebastián Pastor and Gisela Sario, has highlighted the manufacturing techniques of these tools, which were previously understudied. Their findings, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, shed light on how communities in the Sierras de Córdoba organized their tool-making processes and daily activities.
Understanding the context of these findings is crucial. The Late Prehistoric Period in the Sierras de Córdoba was marked by communities engaged in mixed economies, combining hunting, gathering, and farming. This adaptability allowed them to remain mobile and occupy seasonal camps, optimizing their subsistence strategies. Yet, archaeological evidence from this time has been sparse, particularly concerning the bone tools that played an essential role in their material culture.
Dr. Medina noted the historical lack of publications focusing specifically on bone technology, especially within South America. He explained, “What was known about them usually came from site reports that contained simple descriptions of worked bone assemblages as cultural or chronological markers.” As a result, the manufacturing techniques of bone arrow points had not been deeply analyzed until now, a gap the current study aims to fill.
Examining the Manufacturing Techniques
To investigate these ancient practices, the research team analyzed 117 bone artifacts sourced from the Museo Arqueológico Numba Charava. Collected over the 20th century from various sites in the southern Punilla Valley, many artifacts lacked precise provenance. The study revealed that the primary raw material used for creating arrow points was bones from the guanaco, a wild animal hunted for its meat. Less common were bones from other animals, such as pampas deer.
The production process involved splitting long bones, known as metapodia, lengthwise to create workable blanks. These blanks were then flattened through grinding on abrasive stones and shaped into arrowheads through scraping and whittling. In some instances, decorative elements such as barbs and incised patterns were added before the points were polished. Dr. Medina highlighted the rarity of decorated points, stating, “Only three bone arrow points with incised decoration on the blade were reported in the archaeological literature.”
The study suggests that these bone arrow points were primarily used in warfare rather than hunting. Decorative features may have served to express social identity and cultural affiliation, especially evident in their usage against enemies.
Implications for Understanding Prehistoric Societies
The findings from this research provide new perspectives on how communities in the Southern Punilla Valley organized their craft production. The production of arrow points was a localized, standardized process, likely passed down through generations within families. Despite the time-consuming nature of their creation, each point was unique, reflecting the personal touch of the maker.
Dr. Medina emphasizes the need for comparative studies, especially with regions near the Sierras de Córdoba, such as the Low Paraná and Uruguay River floodplains. He noted the potential for discovering complex bone technologies adapted to different environments, particularly where stone resources were limited.
These insights into the organization of tool-making practices underscore the importance of the nuclear family as the primary social unit for food acquisition and production during the Late Prehispanic Period. As research continues to explore these ancient communities, the implications of various technological choices and their impact on social structures will offer critical areas for future inquiry.
This study not only fills a significant gap in our understanding of prehistoric craft production but also enriches the narrative of human adaptation and innovation in Argentina’s rich historical landscape.
