A morphological, morphometric and geochemical characterization of the El Jobo projectile points – diversity and significance in early human populations across the Americas

Abstract

The El Jobo projectile points represent a distinctive design innovation of Late Pleistocene Neotropical human groups. This technology, characterized by its fusiform/lanceolate shape, has been recorded mainly in northwestern Venezuela in a variety of geographical areas and in association with megafauna killing/butchering sites. To characterize it, address its significance, and analyse possible continental relationships, four consecutive approaches were conducted. A representative sample of El Jobo projectile points was subject to technological approximation, morphological classification, outline-based geometric morphometric analysis, and elemental composition analysis. Six morphological types were recognized, for which a common series of manufacture steps was hypothesized. Mainly collateral and irregular flaking patterns were identified, also recording new basal variability, including fluting, fluting-like and reconfiguration techniques. The four most representative morphological types were subjected to morphometric analysis. Elliptic Fourier and Principal Component analyses identified at least three clusters, with width variation mainly distinguishing their shapes, and statistical tests determined significative differences between the main morphological types. The elemental analysis revealed the main use of quarzitic rocks, with variations in elemental composition indicative of diverse sources. The observed variability and cumulative evidence of El Jobo projectile points suggests their adaptation to diverse hunting strategies. The wide geographic distribution of tools and the morphometric comparison with a Monte Verde projectile suggest potential long-distance connections of El Jobo with other projectile point technologies across the continent.