Late Holocene triangular lithic projectile points, their morphometric variability and hafting systems in the Southern Pampean Hills (Córdoba, Argentina)

Abstract

The shape variability of triangular stone projectile points and their hafting systems are analyzed to understand the technological practices during the Late Holocene in the Southern Pampean Hills (Córdoba, Argentina). Archaeometric studies were carried out on archaeological triangular lithic projectile points and plant remains. We present results of geometric morphometrics, functional analysis for the determination of microwear use traces and analysis of FT-IR organic residue recovered from the basal and middle blade areas. Complementary anthracological investigations were developed for the taxonomic identification of plants for comparison with the organic remains recovered from the projectile points. Archaeological and actualistic samples come from two multicomponent archaeological sites of Ongamira valley, Córdoba, Argentina where camelids (Lama guanicoe) and cervids (Ozotoceros sp. and Mazama sp.) were the main hunted prey. From our results, we discuss previous typological approaches based on the similar shapes and different weapon systems for the various hunter-gatherer occupations during the Late Holocene. Accordingly, it is assumed that there is technological continuity at least for 2000 years (between 3900 and 1900 BP) not only in flaked stone technology but also in hafting practices based on the preparation of the base shape of triangular projectile points and the use of local plant resins.