Prehistoric Tools, Weapons Discovered In Peruvian Andes

Middle East Times ^ | 8-20-2006

[blam]

Prehistoric tools, weapons discovered in Peruvian Andes

AFP

August 20, 2006

LIMA -- A team of Peruvian and US archaeologists have discovered prehistoric stone tools and weapons some 10,000 years old in an Andean town, the National Institute of Culture announced Friday.

Stone axes, spearheads, and weapons were found in the main square of San Pedro de Chavin de Huantar, an Andean town some 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of Lima, officials said.

"This discovery represents exceptional evidence of the presence of inhabitants in the Pleistocene era," the Institute said in a statement.

The Pleistocene went from about 1.6 million years ago to 10,000 years ago, when the last ice age ended.

The items were discovered by a team lead by Peruvian archaeologist Christian Mesia from the Chavin de Huantar Archaeological Investigation Project and John Rick, an American from Stanford University.

Rick and Mesia said that it is one of the few open Stone Age camps ever found in the Andes.

The discovery "will have a special significance for the culture and the civic identity" of the town residents, they said in the statement.

Chavin de Huantar is best known as the site where an underground stone temple from the influential Chavin civilization is located.

The temple was built around 1000 BC and used until around 200 BC. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[mad_as_he$$]

I occasionally find stone tools and arrowheads here in the Nevada outback. The style and sizes vary greatly. I try to take them to the University for the propeller heads to study. Some of them are not considered "normal" for this area. Probably indication migration of one tribe or another. Makes for interesting discussions. I mark each one with a tag and GPS coordinates. Crazy hobby cost me a 5x5 buck once though. Not watching.....

I grew up in the DC area and used to visit the Appalachian area frequently as a kid. Didn't have an interest in ancient tools then. Very nice country though.

[Salamander]

Aaaaaaugh!

Now my brain *really* hurts.....;D

[Salamander]

I can generally say that I'm suspicious of the "expertise" of the 'propeller heads' [LOL!] and skeptical about 'carbon dating', too.

[mad_as_he$$]

I agree carbon dating has been misused by many. I enjoy watching the 'experts' argue over what a chip in stone here or there means.

[SunkenCiv]

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