Instrumentos líticos menudos de Tiwanaku usados en técnicas de apropiación

Abstract

In this work we analyze a series of lithical instruments found in the excavations of the great ceremonial center of Tiwanaku, Bolivia, carried out by Carlos Ponce San Ginés and G. Cordero Miranda during the 40’s. These instruments are identical to those recently found in arqueological excavations of other Tiwanaku culture sites. The instruments studied in the present article are interpreted as bolas stones (piedras de boleadoras). In the fore mentioned recent works their use remains unknown, or is interpreted otherwise. Our interpretation is based on a comparative analysis of numerous evidences of complete boleadoras, or their pieces, carried out by us and published by the Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Plata in 1953 as an extensive monographic work. Some arguments about the use of the boleadoras as a hunting weapon in very ancient prehistoric levels and industries of Africa and Europe, generally associated with the Neanderthal man in both continents, are presented in an addenda.