Osteoarqueología de artefactos y otros elementos óseos de la región de Banes (nororiente de Cuba).

Bone artifacts are uncommon in Cuban archaeology, even though bone was a basic material used by the natives. The region of Banes, Holguin province in western Cuba, is characterized for its abundance in sites of agroceramist filiation, represented by 55 %, which in turn has made it historically attractable to collections and researchers for the richness and diversity of material evidence. This work provides new data to the understanding of bone artifacts discovered in the region of Banes, which are now dispersed in national and international collections. Presently, 68 artifacts are registered, of which the majority (38 %) are ceremonial relics. The ribs of the manatee (Trichechus manatus) appeared as a common material for the making of these ceremonial artifacts. With them were made vomic spatulas, portable figures, containers, and pendants. This research provides a fresh understanding of the regional and national archaeology, especially concerned with the use and origin of bone artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]