Technological and Protein Residue Analysis on Ancient Stemmed Projectile Points of the Southern Andes Highlands

Abstract

ABSTRACT We present the results of technological and protein residue analyses of the lithic assemblages recovered at the Pedernales-38 site (26.5°S; 69°W), located in the highlands of the southern Andes (3380 masl). Based on a reconstruction of the operational chains and the differential representation of their phases, we suggest that the final production, use, maintenance, and discard of large stemmed projectile points occurred at the site. Of the assemblage studied, nine (9) projectile points and one end-scraper were subjected to residue analysis using cross-over immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). Four positive reactions to antisera of human, camelid (guanaco or vicuña) and canid (Andean fox) were recorded. The results are discussed based on the depositional context and the structure of the archeological record. We propose that Pedernales projectile points were mainly used in hunting weapons to capture wild camelids during the seasonal occupation of the Andes highlands.