Dart points and Chusquea shafts in the Argentine South Puna

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the use of the atlatl and dart system since the earliest known occupations in the Salt Puna of NW Argentina ca. 9800–7000 BP, specifically in the region of Antofagasta de la Sierra (Catamarca). Within this study area, we examine various metrics of lithic projectile points together with very well-preserved shaft fragments found in cave and rockshelter contexts located above 3,500 masl. These shafts were made from Chusquea lorentziana canes and Salix humboldtiana rods, both allochthonous resources from the eastern lowland ecoregions. These fragments include proximal and distal ends of foreshafts and proximal ends of dart mainshafts that bear a dimple—a telltale sign of dart use. A possible atlatl hook made of onyx (Cueva Salamanca 1 site) and split feathers of aquatic birds, used to make dart deflectors (Peñas de la Cruz 1 site), lend further support to the early use of this weapon system. Comparisons will be made with other archaeological finds in the Puna region at large and with neighboring regions. We will also investigate the use of darts during the Altithermal (7500–6000 BP) to understand the relationship between climate, environment, animal behavior, mobility, and the subsistence of these early hunter-gatherer groups