Archaeological research in Argentina’s Sierras de Córdoba has unveiled critical insights into the organized craft production of bone arrow points by prehistoric communities. A study led by Dr. Matías Medina and his colleagues, Sebastián Pastor and Gisela Sario, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, sheds light on the manufacturing techniques of bone tools during the Late Prehispanic Period, which spanned approximately 1220 to 330 cal BP. This research addresses a significant gap in understanding the daily lives and production methods of these ancient societies.
The Late Prehistoric Period in the Sierras de Córdoba was marked by communities that engaged in flexible mixed economies, blending hunting, gathering, and farming practices. This adaptability allowed them to maintain mobility while occupying seasonal camps. Yet, the archaeological record primarily consisted of scattered bone tools, which had not received extensive scholarly attention until now. As Dr. Medina noted, “Publications dealing specifically with bone technology were, for decades, scarce, especially in South America.”
Understanding Bone Arrow Point Production
To fill this knowledge void, the study analyzed 117 bone artifacts from the Museo Arqueológico Numba Charava. These items were collected non-systematically throughout the 20th century from various sites in the southern Punilla Valley, resulting in some lack of precise provenance. The findings revealed that the primary raw material was bones from the guanaco, a species hunted for food. Other animal bones, such as those from pampas deer, appeared less frequently in the assemblage.
The production process involved splitting the long bones of the guanaco, known as metapodia, lengthwise to create workable blanks. These blanks were then flattened using abrasive stones, followed by scraping and whittling into the desired arrowhead shape. Some points included barbs and decorative elements before being polished to achieve a smooth surface that minimized air resistance.
Dr. Medina pointed out the rarity of decorative points, stating, “Only three bone arrow points with incised decoration on the blade were reported in the archaeological literature.” The decorative elements, mainly lines and triangles, were reminiscent of motifs found on spatulas and ornaments from central Argentina. The study suggests that these bone arrow points were primarily used in warfare rather than hunting, with decorative features signifying social identity.
Significance of the Findings
The research offers new perspectives on how communities in the Southern Punilla Valley organized their tool-making processes, with potential implications for similar regions where bone arrow points were significant. Each arrowhead produced was unique, reflecting the individual craftsmanship of the maker. While the production was time-intensive, it followed a standardized process likely passed down through generations within nuclear families.
Dr. Medina emphasized the need for comparative studies with neighboring regions, such as the Low Paraná and Uruguay River floodplains, which are over 500 km away. These areas developed complex bone technologies to cope with limited stone resources and relied on a diverse range of aquatic resources for subsistence. Future research could reveal how different technological choices influenced the crafting of tools in varying environmental contexts.
This study marks a crucial step in understanding the cultural and technological aspects of prehistoric communities in Argentina, highlighting the significance of bone tools in their material culture. The insights gained not only enrich the archaeological narrative of the region but also underscore the importance of innovative research methodologies in uncovering the complexities of ancient societies.
For further details, the study is available in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology under the title “Bone Arrow Points Manufacturing in Prehispanic Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina.”
