Abstract

Using geometric morphometric analysis, we explore the morphological variation through space and time of 75 fishhooks made from Choromytilus chorus (C. chorus) shells, artifacts collected from seven archaeological sites within the province of Taltal, on the southern coast of the Atacama Desert, Chile. Results show significant differences in the shape of fishhooks from each spatial and temporal context. The highest percentage of variation is explained by the length of the tip of the point of the fishhook, followed by size of the opening. We identified three key moments throughout the history of morphological change of these artifacts. Between 8500 and 7500 years cal BP, the first fishhooks appear in the archaeological record. These artifacts are typically without shank and have wide but variable opening size. From 7500 years cal BP onward, technology proliferates and diversifies. Although hooks without shank and wide openings still predominate, shapes with shank and medium openings are also present in the fishing tool kit at this time. Finally, between 5500 and 4500 years cal BP, the overall number of fishhooks decreases. All forms are with shank but with narrower openings than before and circular shapes disappear. The case study from Taltal enriches present knowledge on shell fishhook technology along the Pacific coast.