Evidence of Blade Technology in the Peruvian Highlands: The “Knife” of Huancarucma

Pérez-Balarezo A.; Añanca C.; Guadalupe E.; Dulanto J.; de Almeida M.D.; González-Varas M. · Lithic Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2025.2480890

Resumen

This work describes a lithic blade discovered in Cangallo, Ayacucho, Peru, at 3535 meters above sea level. Recovered from 30 cm depth with ceramic fragments, it is the only well-documented lithic blade in Peru. Made of quartzitic sandstone and larger than previously recorded specimens, this discovery suggests that blade technology in the Andean highlands may have emerged by at least 3000 BP.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú