Stems, Barbs, and Knockdown Power: Bone Arrow Points from the Late Period of Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract The article presents the techno-typological analysis of a large bone arrow point assemblage recovered at different sites from the Late period of Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina (around 1220–330 cal BP). These bone arrow points exhibit a wide range of morphology and sizes. We classified them into typological groups or subgroups according to their morphology. Basic attributes (weight, length, neck width, blade width, thickness, angle of barbs, etc.) were measured to roughly assess the mass, velocity, and capability for tissue damage of bone-tipped projectiles. Bone arrow points were part of a specialized mechanism system designed to severely wound enemies or occasionally finish off prey from a short distance, creating more serious bleeding wounds than the smaller, easy-to-make chipped-stone arrow points that dominated late-period assemblages. Our analysis shows that the adoption of a broad-spectrum foraging and cultivation base around 1220 cal BP was accompanied by the development of new types of weapons for hunting and warfare. The design of the bone projectile points is consistent with a period during which social tensions increased across the Sierras de Córdoba, with clear evidence of physical violence.