The Concept of a “Pre-Projectile Point” Cultural Stage in Chile and Peru

Abstract

In proposing a pre-projectile point cultural stage for North and South America, Alex Krieger has cited certain lithic material from Taltal and other Chilean sites as supporting evidence. That this is an erroneous assumption can be shown by available data. As far as the Chilean record is concerned, Krieger and others have been misled by the low level of technology of certain specific artifacts for which false claims have been made. They have not recognized that these items are a very widespread feature of seemingly unrelated cultures ranging from the Peruvian and Chilean preceramic to the Inca of the 16th century.