Abstract

HUIDOBRO MARIN, Consuelo  and  LANGLAIS, Mathieu. Chaine opératoire of the bifacial points of Offing 2, locus 1, Strait of Magellan, Southern Patagonia, Chile. A techno-functional approach. Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2020, vol.13, n.1, pp.67-74. ISSN 1852-060X.  http://dx.doi.org/http://doi.org/10.31048/1852.4826.v13.n1.24160.

Abstract We present the results of the technological and functional analysis of the large lanceolate points manufactured at the lower levels of the Offing 2 site, Whiteside channel, Strait of Magellan. These artifacts are characteristic of the maritime populations of the region around 4,000 years BP. The results show a reduction sequence which includes shaping by hard hammer and soft hammer percussion, all at once and at the same location, and a final retouch by pressure flaking, the characteristics of which (location, direction, continuity, quantity of removals sharing a same platform) may vary. The functional results are inconclusive, but are consistent with a particular management of these artifacts, involving transport and re-sharpening behaviors. A hypothesis of a flexible functioning (as knives and weapon heads) associated with this type of management is proposed.

Keywords : Bifacial points; Chaine opératoire; Use-wear analysis; Canoe societies; Southernmost Patagonia.

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