Iconographic Depictions of Spear-Thrower Use in the Ancient Andes

Summary

Spear-thrower devices held a role around the world as a primary weapon and tool before slowly falling out of favor in certain areas for other projectile weapons. While it is widely accepted that spear-throwers were used by the people of the ancient central Andes, comparatively little research has gone into the role that they had as weapons of war, hunting tools, and objects of ceremonial reverence. Many Andean societies have rich traditions of art and iconography, often portraying human and supernatural figures wielding and using spear-throwers in a variety of contexts and with notable associated symbols, such as avian imagery. In addition, the Andes developed a unique style of spear-thrower and have produced many examples of spear-throwers with exceptional craftsmanship, leading me to believe that these tools were given special reverence.

This poster will present the findings of my project, in which I used a review of iconographic depictions of spear-throwers bolstered by physical specimens and associated artifacts to determine the wider significance that these tools played in society.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21658