Análisis tecno-tipológico de instrumentos líticos del sitio arcaico temprano ipilla 2 en los andes de arica, Chile

The study of lithic technology in the Andes began with the classification of projectile point typologies to define chronological and cultural sequences of hunter-gatherer societies. Techno-typological analysis such as the one presented here, try to show that lithic morphologies are not static as they vary in relation to their use, maintenance and recycling. In this study we explore and characterize the technological and typological variability of stone tools from Ipilla 2, an Early Archaic open-air camp (9,670-9,541 cal. BP) located in the Andes of Arica (3,400 m asl), northern Chile. The results show that tools were intensely maintained to extend their use-life, which transformed their original designs. Another technological process included the sequential manufacture of different edges in the same instrument. These results contribute to understanding the lifestyles of Andean hunter-gatherer societies and show that methodologically, lithic typologies must be considered from a dynamic perspective to become a more effective analytic tool.