Abstract

LEDESMA, Rossana E.. Projectile point design: An alternative approach to the study of identity in the Quebrada del Toro, Province of Salta, Argentina. Cuad. Fac. Humanid. Cienc. Soc., Univ. Nac. Jujuy [online]. 2003, n.20, pp.241-269. ISSN 1668-8104.

  The purpose of this paper is to study design in the manufacture of projectile points from the Quebrada del Toro (province of Salta, Argentina), specifically those from Santa Rosa de Tastil.   With the intention of "minimizing" subjectivity in the search for indicators of identity traits, ordination methods such as descriptive and multivariate statistics (principal components analysis) were employed in order to analyze which combination of variables most affect artifact variation and regularity.   The points have a regular design which distinguishes them from those of other periods (Formative). They are characterized by: the choice of raw material(metagraywacke and obsidian), the geometric shape of the blade (triangular), the form and direction of the flake scars (parallel), and the concave outline of the base of the blade.   Accepting the feasibility of the stylistic dimension study of projectile points lithic set, a discussion about archaeological identification of identity characteristics is proposed. It is also of interest to include studies about lithic technology in "Desarrollos Regionales" and "Inca" periods.

Keywords : Projectile points; style; design; identity; lithic technology.

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