Bow and arrow: Chronological and social context of the introduction of new technologies in Southern Patagonia

Abstract

Research carried out in the western region of the Santa Cruz province (Patagonia, Argentina), indicates a widespread and simultaneous use of diverse weapons with different launching modes during the Late Holocene. Bow and arrow, spear and/or darts and boleadoras were used as part of adaptive strategies appropriate for a changing environmental context. We recently suggested a prevalence of bow and arrow towards the end of the Late Holocene. The aim of this work is to define a chronology that will allow us to discuss the causes behind the introduction of the bow and arrow and the time it was abandoned. A further goal is to discuss the existence of an immediate replacement of the previous weapons (spears and/or darts) for the bow and arrow. Several factors (social, environmental, ecological and technological) that could explain its beginning, permanence and discard will be analyzed. We are especially interested in emphasizing the short period of its presence in the region, established circa 800/900 BP till 1520 AD as documented by Pigafetta in his chronicle. This work includes the analysis of more than 400 lithic points recovered in different sites within the region. Some of these are related to absolute dates that have been compared with other chronologies of specific technologies from the Late Holocene.Results are discussed taking into consideration the profound changes that occurred in the organizational systems of hunter-gatherer societies during this period. These gave a functional significance to the bow and arrow and other technologies. We consider this work is a contribution to understand the role of new technologies in a changing social context. Thus, we present original data and essential discussion relevant for south American and global archaeological studies.