Stone Tool Production in the Tiwanaku Heartland: the Impact of State Emergence and Expansion on Local Households

This research explored the characteristics of stone tool production in the heart of
the Andean state of Tiwanaku, comparing urban and rural settlements,
elite and non-elite. Models of the Tiwanaku state were tested, and comparisons with the contemporaneous Wari state were explored. No evidence of craft specialization was
recovered in urban or rural sites. Even though there is an overall
continuity in lithic production from Formative (1500 B.C.-400 A.D.) to
Middle Horizon (400-1100 A.D.), significant changes occur after 600
A.D. with the exploitation of exotic raw materials. The state
controlled the procurement and distribution of obsidian and black
basalt, giving preference to urban dwellers, following experiences of
earlier altiplano polities (Pukara, Chiripa and Wankarani). At
the same time, local groups procured smaller quantities of exotics from
other sources, independently from state control. Projectile points were
locally manufactured and used in inter-group conflicts.