Projectile point variability from a biogeographical approach in northwestern Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

Our objective is to analyse the relationship among the availability, selection, and use of raw materials suitable for knapping with projectile points from the Late Holocene of northwestern Patagonia. We analyse differences in the raw material used to make projectile points according to the techno-morphological characteristics. Non-stemmed projectile points predominate in all the biogeographic units. The size and weight of the projectile points in Patagonia duplicate those from Altoandina and Monte. We conclude that there was a coexistence of two weapons systems related to hunting, the bow and arrow, together with the use of darts.

Keywords

• Lithic tools
• Projectile Points
• Biogeography
• Rock selection
• Hunting strategies