Was Obsidian Used for Camelid Shearing in Ancient Peru? An Experimental and Use-Wear Study. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nesbitt, Jason; Johnson, Rachel; Horowitz, Rachel A.
• Is Part Of: Ethnoarchaeology. Volume 11:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Experimental archaeology -- use-wear -- lithic technology -- obsidian -- textile production -- domesticated camelids -- Peru -- Early Horizon; Ethnoarchaeology -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1080/19442890.2019.1573286
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-2890

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Obsidian flake tools are an important component of Early Horizon (ca. 800–400 B.C.) lithic assemblages in highland Peru. However, the functions of these tools have not been ascertained. In this paper, we present the results of an experimental project that tests the hypothesis that flake tools were used for shearing domesticated camelids (alpacas and llamas). A collection of 10 replicated flake tools were used to shear an alpaca over different amounts of time. Our results indicate that these implements provide an efficient means of shearing camelids, though their efficiency declines after prolonged use. Following the shearing experiment, optical light microscope (OLM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were undertaken to determine what kinds of use-wear were present on the tools. We tentatively conclude that shearing does leave recognizable edge-wear, including micro-chipping, faint striations, and residues, which we believe could be visible in Peruvian archaeological lithic assemblages.