Guanaco Hunting Strategies in the Southeastern Pampas during the Late Holocene

KAUFMANN, C., M. C. ÁLVAREZ, P. G. MESSINEO, M. P. BARROS, ; BONOMO, M.; HEIDER, G.

Ancient Hunting Strategies in Southern South America

Springer-Nature

Año: 2020; p. 83 - 112

In this chapter we discuss the strategies used by hunter-gatherers to capture guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in the southeastern Pampas during the Late Holocene (ca. 3500 to 500 14C years BP). We summarize the analysis of different lines of evidence (e.g., mortality and skeletal part profiles, sex structure, and weapons systems) obtained from four archaeological sites; three associated with the initial Late Holocene (ca. 3400-1700 14C years BP; Calera, Nutria Mansa 1, and Empalme Querandíes 1) and one with the final Late Holocene (ca. 1300-800 14C years BP; Hangar). Results indicate that during the initial Late Holocene, the guanaco hunting tactics were focused on family groups and troops of males. At this time, thrown weapons, such as bola stones and darts or spears were more frequently used. On the other hand, during the final Late Holocene, there is a significant quantity of small triangular projectile points linked with the use of bow and arrow, indicating a change in the Pampas weapon systems. The landscape geomorphology in which the archaeological sites are located allows us to suggest the use of active traps. river junctions and dune ridges were places where it would have been possible to enclose the principal prey of pre-Hispanic indigenous populations that inhabited the Pampas for millennia.