Proyectiles líticos en contexto: Algo más que una tecnología para la caza

Abstract

Projectile technology refers to launched weapons used in both hunting and warfare. Ultimately, projectile points are viewed not simply as isolated items of material culture but rather as one element of a technology implemented by a group of living people. This paper presents a technological analysis of an assemblage of lithic projectile points from Arroyo Seco 2 site (Buenos Aires Province). It deals with an amount of 18 pieces recovered from different cultural components. But the most interesting aspect of this archeological record is not only the early chronology but the fact that 11 projectile points have been found within and between the remains of four human skeletons. The analysis takes into account some variables and attributes associated with technological and stylictic aspects. Likewise, attending the special characteristics of this archaeological record, different types of fractures are specially treated. In sum, the paper pretends to evaluate aspects of the chaine operatoire of the projectile points, emphasizing instances of manufacture, maintenance and discard. Also it deals with a discussion about the existence of stylistic and/or technological differences between the projectiles of Superior/Medium component and the ones associated with the human skeletons.