A recent study has shed light on the organized craft production of bone arrow points in prehistoric Argentina, revealing significant aspects of the daily life and societal structure of communities during the Late Prehispanic Period, approximately between 1220 and 330 calendar years before present. Conducted by Dr. Matías Medina and his colleagues, the research was published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology and provides a detailed analysis of manufacturing techniques used by these ancient peoples.
For decades, understanding the diverse bone raw materials utilized by the inhabitants of the Sierras de Córdoba has been limited. Previous research focused mainly on chronological analyses, often overlooking the significance of bone tools within the cultural context of these communities. Dr. Medina emphasized this gap, noting that “publications dealing specifically with bone technology were scarce, especially in South America.” The study aims to address this void by examining the production methods of one of the most prevalent types of bone tools: arrow points.
Exploring the Craft of Arrow Point Production
The research involved a thorough examination of 117 bone artifacts housed in the Museo Arqueológico Numba Charava. These items, collected throughout the 20th century from various locations in the southern Punilla Valley, provided crucial insights despite the lack of precise provenance for many pieces. The primary raw material identified was bones from the guanaco, an animal hunted for sustenance. Other animal bones, such as those from pampas deer, were considerably rarer.
The manufacturing process of the arrow points was systematic. The bones, typically sourced from the metapodia (the long bones of the feet and hands), were split lengthwise to produce workable blanks. These blanks were then flattened through grinding on abrasive stones, followed by scraping and whittling to create the distinctive shape of an arrowhead. In certain cases, additional features like barbs and decorative elements were incorporated before the points underwent a polishing process to reduce air resistance and enhance durability.
“Only three bone arrow points with incised decoration on the blade were reported in the archaeological literature,” explained Dr. Medina. “These decorations were primarily composed of lines and small triangles, similar to those found on decorated spatulas and ornaments from central Argentina.”
Dr. Medina’s study posits that these bone arrow points were primarily used for warfare rather than hunting. The presence of decorative elements may have served to express social identity, leaving a cultural imprint on the adversaries targeted by these weapons.
Significance and Future Research Directions
This research not only provides new insights into the organization of tool-making in the Southern Punilla Valley but also raises questions about the craft production processes in other regions where bone tools were prevalent. The findings suggest that each arrowhead was uniquely produced, with a standardized yet time-consuming manufacturing process likely passed down through family lines. This reinforces the notion that the nuclear family played a crucial role in both food and tool production during the Late Prehispanic Period.
Dr. Medina calls for comparative studies with neighboring regions, such as the Low Paraná and Uruguay River floodplains, to further understand the evolution of bone technology. These areas, located more than 500 kilometers away, developed distinct bone crafting techniques to adapt to their specific environmental challenges, particularly the limited availability of stone resources.
As the study highlights, new technological comparisons that account for local resource availability and subsistence strategies will contribute to a deeper understanding of prehistoric communities in Argentina. The implications of this research not only enrich our knowledge of ancient craft production but also identify critical areas for future archaeological inquiry.
The comprehensive analysis provided by Dr. Medina and his team marks a significant advancement in the understanding of prehistoric life in Argentina, emphasizing the importance of bone technology and its role in social identity and cultural expression.
