Resumen

GIESSO, Martín. THE EXPEDIENT LITHIC INDUSTRYIN URBAN TIWANAKU SITES, BOLIVIA. Textos Antropológicos [online]. 2003, vol.14, n.2, pp. 31-46. ISSN 1025-3181.

In thepresent article, the intra and inter-site variability in lithic production with the main local raw materials, from urban Tiwanaku contexts (AD 400-1000) excavatedby the Wila Jawira project in the Tiwanaku heartland is analyzed. Members ofall groups of the Tiwanaku society manufactured lithic instruments, and the debris produced suggests differentiation between élite and non-eltie groups in terms ofthe materials, as well as in the production techniques employed. Lithic production among non-elite groups was more expedient, and there was more standardization in the procurement, manufacture, and use of instruments among the élite than among other groups.