Recent research has shed light on the sophisticated craft production methods of prehistoric communities in the Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina. A team led by Dr. Matías Medina has published an analysis of bone arrow points used by people during the Late Prehispanic Period, approximately from 1220 to 330 cal BP. Their findings, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, reveal significant insights into the daily lives and social structures of these ancient cultures.
For many years, understanding the diverse use of bone as a raw material by these communities was limited. The Sierras de Córdoba’s inhabitants practiced a mixed economy, combining hunting, gathering, and agriculture, which allowed for high mobility and seasonal habitation. Despite this, archaeological evidence primarily consisted of scattered artifacts, leaving a critical gap in knowledge regarding their production techniques.
Dr. Medina noted that previous studies on bone technology were rare, especially in South America. He highlighted that much of the existing literature focused primarily on site reports that provided only basic descriptions, often neglecting the detailed analysis of the manufacturing processes. According to Dr. Medina, a comprehensive understanding of these techniques is essential, particularly in discussions about weaponry and their production by-products.
Insights from the Analysis
The study examined 117 bone artifacts housed in the Museo Arqueológico Numba Charava. These artifacts were collected non-systematically throughout the 20th century from various locations in the southern Punilla Valley, resulting in some pieces lacking precise provenance. The primary material identified was bones from the guanaco, a species that was hunted for food, while bones from other animals, such as pampas deer, were less common.
The production process involved splitting metapodia, the long bones of the hand and feet, to create workable blanks. These were then ground, scraped, and whittled into arrowhead shapes. Some points featured barbs and decorative elements before being polished to enhance their aerodynamic qualities. Decorative points were rare; only three examples with incised decorations were reported, typically featuring lines and small triangles reminiscent of other artifacts from central Argentina.
Dr. Medina emphasized that these arrow points were likely used more for warfare than hunting. The decorative elements may have served to express social identity, leaving a mark of cultural affiliation on adversaries.
Significance of the Findings
The research provides essential insights into how communities in the Southern Punilla Valley organized their tool-making processes. Each arrow point was unique, indicating a localized production method. The time-consuming yet standardized techniques suggest that knowledge of crafting was likely passed down through families.
This focus on family-based production reinforces the notion that the nuclear family was a pivotal social unit for both food and tool production during the Late Prehispanic Period. Future research comparisons with neighboring regions, such as the Low Paraná and Uruguay River floodplains, could reveal further insights into bone technology and subsistence strategies developed in different environmental contexts.
Dr. Medina concluded that understanding these historical practices provides critical pathways for future research, especially in areas where stone resources were limited, and alternative materials played a significant role in survival and cultural expression.
This study not only enhances the understanding of ancient Argentine societies but also contributes to the broader discourse on prehistoric craft production and technological development.
