Itty-bitty bone points from New Guinea: Bone artefacts and fishing between 6800 and 6000 cal BP at Taora

Abstract

Taora (RIU), a rockshelter located on the northern coast of New Guinea, was first occupied shortly after sea level stabilisation ~6800 cal BP. Re-excavation of this site in 2004 to investigate claims of early pig domestication and pottery-use uncovered an uncharacteristically large assemblage of bone technology for the region. Here we present the analysis of that osseous artefact assemblage—including some 464 tiny bi- or unipoints alongside six plant fibre-working tools and numerous bone blanks for the manufacture of the projectile points. Analysis of the morphology and use wear present on the points indicates that they likely tipped multi-pronged fishing spears. This collection, and its association with abundant fish remains, supports previous notions of changing lifeways during the mid-Holocene and provides insight into the central role of organic technologies in Australasia during that period.