In August 2024, a joint archaeological team from the Andean Insтιтute of Artifact Research (A.I.A.R.) and the National Archaeological Center of Chile announced the results of an analysis concerning an unusual metallic artifact recovered at the Cerro del Viento site, Atacama, Chile. The object—temporarily named the “Atacama Spiral Metal Rivet”—measures 32 mm in length and 8 mm in diameter, featuring a conical spiral metal core encased in a dark gray outer shell.

Its age was determined using OSL sediment dating and stratigraphic sequencing, placing it within the 3800–3600 BCE layer—corresponding to the Late Stone Age transitional period into early metallurgy in the Andean region.

The artifact was found during an extended excavation of stratigraphic layer 7, approximately 1.8 meters below the surface. Cerro del Viento is known as a prehistoric habitation site with obsidian tools, stray ceramic fragments, and cremation traces.

On June 14, 2024, while clearing a fine soil layer near a cluster of red basalt stones, team member María Estévez uncovered a small metallic object with a form unlike any known indigenous tools predating Andean metallurgy. The artifact was secured using precision tweezers, sealed in a silica-gel container, and transported to the Atacama Forensic Lab for analysis.

XRF spectroscopy revealed the following composition:

• Lead (Pb): 62%

• Tin (Sn): 18%

• Silicates & trace minerals: 20%

This mixture resembles a crude version of lead–tin alloy, yet the extremely high lead content produces a dark-gray, soft exterior—technologically inconsistent with the known metalwork of 3800 BCE Andes, where such alloys did not exist.

The metallic core is the most striking feature:

• Copper (Cu): 71%

• Zinc (Zn): 21%, plus trace iron and manganese.

This Cu–Zn ratio corresponds to brᴀss, a metal known in the Near East around 3300–3000 BCE and completely absent from South America until nearly 3000 years later.

The core consists of 21 symmetrical spiral turns, forming an inverted conical shape. Its surfaces show precision cuts consistent with lathe machining—a technology not present in prehistoric Andes.

• SEM imaging showed uniform cut lines spaced exactly 0.18 mm apart.

• Lead isotope analysis indicated the source of the lead does not match any Andean ore deposits, instead aligning with Central Asian signatures, which is chronologically implausible for the artifact’s context.

According to A.I.A.R. analysts, the artifact displays three technologically anomalous features:

1. Lathe-produced uniform spiral machining, unknown in pre-metallic Andean cultures.

2. Multilayer alloy construction, with a brᴀss core inserted into a Pb–Sn casing.

3. Low-pressure thermal bonding, indicated by a nearly seamless weld line.

Although misplacement due to stratigraphic disturbance was considered, the item’s mineralization and natural nuclear decay signatures are consistent with over 5000 years of burial.

Some specialists suggest it may be a form of mechanical rivet, designed to fasten two materials together. The spiral core would increase grip and load resistance.

Because spiral symbolism appears in early Andean culture—ᴀssociated with wind, energy vortices, and the deity Wiracocha—others hypothesize it could be:

• A ceremonial attachment piece for a staff or sacred tool

• Or a component of a symbol of authority

However, its small size weakens this interpretation.

Due to the mismatch between technology and dating, scholars of OOPArts propose:

• The artifact could belong to an unknown ancient technological tradition.

• It may be a fragment of a sophisticated optical–mechanical tool or fastening mechanism.

The scientific team does not endorse speculative conclusions but acknowledges:

“No known Andean technological system from 3600–3800 BCE can account for this artifact.”

The 2024 Cerro del Viento excavation crew included:

• Dr. Ricardo Molina, expedition director, Andean archaeology specialist

• María Estévez, primary discoverer

• Prof. Hannah K. Lorne, expert in ancient metallurgy, A.I.A.R.

• Atacama Forensic Lab, responsible for SEM, XRF, and isotopic dating

A preliminary report was submitted to the Chilean Archaeological Commission (CONA) on September 22, 2024.

The “Atacama Spiral Metal Rivet” is one of the most debated archaeological finds in the Andean region for 2024. Despite its date of 3800–3600 BCE, it exhibits manufacturing traits far ahead of its time. This raises major questions:

• Did metallurgy in the Andes emerge earlier than previously believed?

• Could there have been cross-continental technological exchange lost to history?

• Or is this the remnant of an entirely forgotten technological tradition?

Whatever the answer, the artifact opens a new frontier in the study of non-traditional ancient technologies, challenging long-held ᴀssumptions about prehistoric Andean innovation.