The Introduction of the bow and arrow in the Argentine Andes (29º-34ºs): A preliminary metric approximation

CASTRO, S.; YEBRA, L.; MARSH, E.; CORTEGOSO, V.; LUCERO, G.

Journal of Lithic Studies

University of Edinburgh Journal Hosting Service.

Lugar: Edimburgo; Año: 2019

2055-0472

The study focuseson projectile points (n=39) from six sites in the Argentine Andes (29?34°S) associatedwith 17 radiocarbon dates with medians spanning 3080?470 cal BP. This is the region?s first attempt to metrically distinguisharrows and darts, which is based on shoulder or maximum width, following Shott.The northern part of the study area (29°S) includes the earliest arrow point,slightly after 3080 cal BP. This suggests a rapid spread of this technologyfrom the central Andes 16?26°S, where early arrows are dated ~3500?3000 cal BP.South of 29°S, there was a marked spatial and temporal discontinuity as arrows arenot clearly present until 1280 cal BP at 32 and 34°S. For 1280?400 cal BP (Europeancontact), 96% of points were identified as arrows, suggesting the bow and arrowreplaced spear-based weapon systems. A single late dart from 34°S may indicatethe incursion of Patagonia hunters. The predominance of arrows beginning at1280 cal BP is associated with broader changes such as demographic growth,reduced mobility, low-level food production, and herding economies, followingsimilar trends in other regions.