The focus of this investigation is the function of seven small tubular bird bones, from a de-contextualized archaeological collection in the Antofagasta Region, Chile, dated on the Late Intermediate Period. Three functional hypotheses are contrasted: 1) The bones were used as tubes for nasal inhalation of psychoactive powders, 2) they were used to apply coloring substances and 3) they were used to introduce fluids into body cavities. There is also a discussion on the modes of use of these tubes as shamanic and/or medical/ritual instruments. Finally, we encourage archaeologists to increase the sample by identifying new specimens, ideally by recovering properly contextualized instruments.