Abstract

RESTIFO, Federico. “SAN MARTÍN” PROJECTILE POINTS FROM THE CUEVA NACIMIENTO 2 SITE: IMPLICATIONS FOR ANALYZING THE CULTURAL CHANGE PROCESS DURING THE MIDDLE HOLOCENE IN THE PUNA OF SALTA (ARGENTINA). Comechingonia [online]. 2022, vol.26, n.3, pp.81-90.  Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 1851-0027.  http://dx.doi.org/10.24215/18521479e035.

The first San Martín projectile points (five specimens) found in a context with absolute dating in the Puna of Salta, corresponding to the Cueva Nacimiento 2 site, are analyzed, focusing on their morphology, knapping sequence and variability in weapon systems. Integration with previous results obtained in the Salinas Grandes basin (21 specimens) shows morphological variations within the general San Martín type; variability in knapping sequences; and its possible use as part of hand weapons and throwing spears. The latter is also supported by comparison with eleven specimens of unstemmed triangular points assignable to the early Holocene. It is suggested that the San Martín points represent part of the increasing diversity of projectile points observed during the middle Holocene in the Puna of Salta, which would be related to risk minimization strategies in a context of ecological and social change.

Keywords : lithic artifacts Holocene; Puna Andes hunter gatherers.

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