Este trabajo analiza la gestión de materias primas duras de origen animal por parte de sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras-pescadoras del extremo sur de Sudamérica, mediante el análisis tecno-morfológico y funcional de un conjunto de 29 artefactos del sitio arqueológico Lanashuaia II (Holoceno tardío). El sitio es un conchero de estructura anular ubicado en la costa norte del canal Beagle. Los objetivos son (1) caracterizar la diversidad artefactual, (2) identificar las especies y unidades anatómicas explotadas, (3) evaluar los criterios de selección de las unidades anatómicas empleadas para la confección de artefactos específicos, (4) identificar las técnicas de manufactura, y (5) explicar en qué actividades productivas fueron utilizados estos artefactos óseos. Los resultados alcanzados posibilitan identificar la utilización de huesos de aves, guanacos y mamíferos marinos para la manufactura de artefactos de procesamiento y captura, así como también instrumentos de talla lítica. Por su parte, los huesos largos de aves también se emplearon para la fabricación de objetos de adorno personal.

Shark remains are common in coastal archaeological sites in southern Brazil. Here we present an analysis of microwear visible on shark teeth found at the Rio do Meio site in Florianópolis, Brazil. It demonstrates that hafted shark teeth were used to work soft materials such as leather, as well as semihard materials such as wood and bone, whereas others probably functioned as arrowheads. The results also show a possible preference for tiger shark teeth use for woodworking. The identified technical motions include piercing, cutting, and scraping, as well as scaling and sawing. These findings allow us to question the common interpretation of shark teeth use as ornaments and as having symbolic value. Instead, shark teeth seem to have been used as tools and weapons in daily life.

This article provides results from a full morphological, use-wear and microfossil residue analysis of a notched bone tool made from a camelid scapula, which was recovered from the late pre-Hispanic site of Boyo Paso 2 (1500–750 years BP, Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina). The use-wear pattern showed striations similar to those recorded in experimental bone tools used for scraping activities. The starch grains found on the active or working edge are similar to the Andean tuber crop Oxalis tuberosa, and suggest that the tool was used for peeling wild or domesticated Oxalis sp. tubers, thereby questioning the disproportionate attention directed towards maize in late pre-Hispanic economies.

Personal ornaments are a notable feature of the Early Upper Palaeolithic in Europe and an important expression of modern human identity. The tubular bone rod from Pod Hradem Cave in the Czech Republic is the first example of its kind from Central Europe. Laboratory examination reveals the techniques used in its manufacture and underlines the skill of its maker. AMS dates and Bayesian modelling suggest a cultural association with the Early Aurignacian period. It illustrates the cultural links across large areas of Europe at this time, although it is unique in its specific combination of size, raw material and decorative features.