Fluted Triangular Non-stemmed Points in Uruguay and Their Extra-regional Relationship: Broadening Technological Diversity during the Early Holocene of South America

ABSTRACT Triangular non-stemmed points (TNSPs) have been recovered for several decades from early archaeological sites in different regions of South America. We report a synthesis and review of 63 early Holocene radiocarbon dates (∼12,650–8050 cal yr BP) of the main sites where TNSPs have been recovered and records of this point design with fluting technology. The oldest ages of dated sites with TNSPs are synchronous with ages obtained for Fishtail point sites. The extra-regional evidence allows discussion of aspects related to the use of open environments, chronology, size, context, fluting technology and distribution of these points, leading to the generation of new ways to continue increasing our understanding of cultural complexity in early settlement in South America. The results open new perspectives and implications for the debate on social interaction and technological transmission by Paleoamericans during the peopling of South America.