Research conducted by Dr. Matías Medina and his colleagues, Sebastián Pastor and Gisela Sario, has revealed significant insights into the organized craft production of bone arrow points in prehistoric Argentina. Their study, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, highlights the manufacturing techniques and cultural implications of these tools, shedding light on the daily lives of communities in the Sierras de Córdoba during the Late Prehispanic Period, approximately between 1220 to 330 cal BP.
For decades, understanding the diverse bone materials used by these ancient communities remained limited. The research team focused on one of the most common types of bone tools—bone arrow points—which were previously understudied despite their importance in the material culture of the region.
Historical Context and Research Significance
The Late Prehistoric Period in the Sierras de Córdoba was characterized by communities that practiced flexible mixed economies, combining hunting, gathering, and farming. This adaptability allowed for high mobility and the establishment of seasonal camps. Despite this dynamic lifestyle, archaeological evidence was often sparse, with bone tools being one of the most significant yet overlooked aspects.
Dr. Medina noted, “Publications dealing specifically with bone technology were, for decades, scarce, especially in South America.” Many existing studies primarily focused on chronological analyses, often overlooking the intricacies of manufacturing techniques. The team’s analysis of bone arrow points aims to bridge this gap and contribute to discussions about weapon delivery systems and the cultural significance of these tools.
Manufacturing Techniques and Findings
To conduct their analysis, the researchers examined 117 bone artifacts collected from the Museo Arqueológico Numba Charava. These items, gathered non-systematically throughout the 20th century from various sites in the southern Punilla Valley, often lacked precise provenance. The team identified that the primary raw material used for the arrow points was bones from the guanaco, a species hunted for food. Bones from other animals, such as pampas deer, were less common.
The manufacturing process involved splitting the long bones of the guanaco lengthwise to create workable blanks. These were then flattened through grinding, scraped, and whittled into arrowhead shapes. Some points featured additional elements, such as barbs or decorative designs, before being polished to reduce air resistance and enhance durability.
Dr. Medina highlighted the rarity of decorative points, stating, “Only three bone arrow points with incised decoration on the blade were reported in the archaeological literature.” The incised designs, primarily composed of lines and small triangles, resemble those found on decorative spatulas and ornaments from central Argentina. The researchers propose that these arrow points were mainly used for warfare, with decorative attributes serving as expressions of social identity and cultural affiliation.
The implications of this study extend beyond the Sierras de Córdoba. The findings suggest that arrowheads were locally produced and unique, reinforcing the notion that tool-making was a skill passed down through generations within nuclear families.
In discussing future research directions, Dr. Medina emphasized the need for comparative studies with neighboring regions, such as the Low Paraná and Uruguay River floodplains. These areas, although distant, developed complex bone technologies to adapt to their specific environments, which may differ significantly from those in the Sierras de Córdoba.
This research not only enhances the understanding of prehistoric craft production in Argentina but also invites further exploration into the societal structures and technological adaptations of ancient communities.
As the study illustrates, the bone arrow points of the Sierras de Córdoba were more than mere tools; they were integral components of a rich cultural heritage, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of the people who created them.