Pub Date : 2022-08-05DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2108276
Marta Navazo, C. Santamaría, M. Santamaría
ABSTRACT The life of tools in lithic assemblages from European Middle Paleolithic sites reveal different processes of dilation, such as ramification (the use of a flake as a production matrix, from which a second and sometimes even a third tool is produced) and tool on core (TOC), core on tool (COT) and core on flake (COF) processes, with the presence of resharpening tools and the presence of double patinas as further evidence. Technological studies suggest that items in a lithic assemblage have gone through function changes (through reuse or recycling), but only use-wear analysis can demonstrate what these changes of function have been. Of particular interest is the recycling of cores, which often become tools (retouched or non). In this paper, we analyze several cores recovered in Level 4 of Prado Vargas, in which we demonstrate what their use was after the first function as matrixes of exploitation and flake-production.
{"title":"Using Cores as Tools: Use-wear Analysis of Neanderthal Recycling Processes in Level 4 at Prado Vargas (Cornejo, Merindad de Sotoscueva, Burgos, Spain)","authors":"Marta Navazo, C. Santamaría, M. Santamaría","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2108276","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2108276","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The life of tools in lithic assemblages from European Middle Paleolithic sites reveal different processes of dilation, such as ramification (the use of a flake as a production matrix, from which a second and sometimes even a third tool is produced) and tool on core (TOC), core on tool (COT) and core on flake (COF) processes, with the presence of resharpening tools and the presence of double patinas as further evidence. Technological studies suggest that items in a lithic assemblage have gone through function changes (through reuse or recycling), but only use-wear analysis can demonstrate what these changes of function have been. Of particular interest is the recycling of cores, which often become tools (retouched or non). In this paper, we analyze several cores recovered in Level 4 of Prado Vargas, in which we demonstrate what their use was after the first function as matrixes of exploitation and flake-production.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46167663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-29DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2103297
Alessandro Aleo
ABSTRACT Use-wear traces are considered to be material specific. The use of an appropriate reference collection is thus fundamental for interpreting tools' function. To test whether a flint reference collection can be used to interpret the function of non-flint tools, I conducted experiments using chert, dolerite, and quartz endscrapers and flakes. I compared wear traces obtained during the experiment with use-wear on experimental flint tools exposed to the same variables (motion, contact material, time). The results highlighted strong similarities in the characteristics and distribution of traces on chert and flint. Dolerite and quartz differ from flint, especially regarding the distribution and appearance of use-polish. However, shared traits were observed in all the raw materials involved in this experiment, demonstrating a certain degree of comparability between use-wear traces on flint and non-flint rocks. Based on the data, a flint reference collection can allow a basic interpretation of use-wear also on different rocks.
{"title":"Comparing the Formation and Characteristics of Use-Wear Traces on Flint, Chert, Dolerite and Quartz","authors":"Alessandro Aleo","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2103297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2103297","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT\u0000 Use-wear traces are considered to be material specific. The use of an appropriate reference collection is thus fundamental for interpreting tools' function. To test whether a flint reference collection can be used to interpret the function of non-flint tools, I conducted experiments using chert, dolerite, and quartz endscrapers and flakes. I compared wear traces obtained during the experiment with use-wear on experimental flint tools exposed to the same variables (motion, contact material, time). The results highlighted strong similarities in the characteristics and distribution of traces on chert and flint. Dolerite and quartz differ from flint, especially regarding the distribution and appearance of use-polish. However, shared traits were observed in all the raw materials involved in this experiment, demonstrating a certain degree of comparability between use-wear traces on flint and non-flint rocks. Based on the data, a flint reference collection can allow a basic interpretation of use-wear also on different rocks.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41446776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-26DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2103290
Antoine Muller, Chris Clarkson
ABSTRACT Standardization can be applied to a lithic assemblage via raw material selection, blank production, blank selection, and/or retouch. Here we explore the baseline level of morphological standardization achievable through blank production alone. By quantifying how little morphological variability is inherently involved in different blank-producing lithic technologies that span much of the Stone Age, we seek to gain a long-term perspective on the evolution of lithic standardization. 728 flakes were knapped from 26 cores of 7 different lithic technologies: bipolar, multiplatform, discoidal, Levallois, direct percussion prismatic blade, indirect percussion prismatic blade, and pressure prismatic blade. Using generalized Procrustes analyses of blank outlines, we observed three noticeable jumps in shape standardization: between bipolar and free-hand flaking, between flake and blade technologies, and between the percussive blade and pressure blade technologies. Technologies that involve more skill and more investment in core preparation appear to create a more standardized set of blanks.
{"title":"Filling in the Blanks: Standardization of Lithic Flake Production Throughout the Stone Age","authors":"Antoine Muller, Chris Clarkson","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2103290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2103290","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Standardization can be applied to a lithic assemblage via raw material selection, blank production, blank selection, and/or retouch. Here we explore the baseline level of morphological standardization achievable through blank production alone. By quantifying how little morphological variability is inherently involved in different blank-producing lithic technologies that span much of the Stone Age, we seek to gain a long-term perspective on the evolution of lithic standardization. 728 flakes were knapped from 26 cores of 7 different lithic technologies: bipolar, multiplatform, discoidal, Levallois, direct percussion prismatic blade, indirect percussion prismatic blade, and pressure prismatic blade. Using generalized Procrustes analyses of blank outlines, we observed three noticeable jumps in shape standardization: between bipolar and free-hand flaking, between flake and blade technologies, and between the percussive blade and pressure blade technologies. Technologies that involve more skill and more investment in core preparation appear to create a more standardized set of blanks.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46983164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-16DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2097811
A. Eixea, C. Roldán, V. Villaverde, Isabel Días, I. Prudêncio, Rosa Marques, D. Russo, K. Gméling, G. Cavallo, Sonia Murcia
ABSTRACT This paper presents the geochemical and petrographic characterization, along with the macroscopic observations, of several cherts from the central region of the Mediterranean Iberia. To determine the microfacies and microtextural features, thin-section samples were analyzed using polarizing light microscopy (PLM) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX). Geochemical analyses were performed using instrumental neutron activation analyses (INAA). With the data, multivariate statistical analysis by means of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to the chemical variables to identify clusters among the chert samples. The results showed different geochemical features between cherts concerning major, minor, and trace elements. Archaeological samples from different sites demonstrated lithic raw material circulation and, thus, human mobility in the central region of Mediterranean Iberia during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic.
{"title":"Geochemical and Petrographic Analyses on Middle and Upper Palaeolithic Cherts from the Central Region of Mediterranean Iberia","authors":"A. Eixea, C. Roldán, V. Villaverde, Isabel Días, I. Prudêncio, Rosa Marques, D. Russo, K. Gméling, G. Cavallo, Sonia Murcia","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2097811","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2097811","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper presents the geochemical and petrographic characterization, along with the macroscopic observations, of several cherts from the central region of the Mediterranean Iberia. To determine the microfacies and microtextural features, thin-section samples were analyzed using polarizing light microscopy (PLM) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX). Geochemical analyses were performed using instrumental neutron activation analyses (INAA). With the data, multivariate statistical analysis by means of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to the chemical variables to identify clusters among the chert samples. The results showed different geochemical features between cherts concerning major, minor, and trace elements. Archaeological samples from different sites demonstrated lithic raw material circulation and, thus, human mobility in the central region of Mediterranean Iberia during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46067029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-12DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2097812
Thomas Hess
ABSTRACT Surveys near the village of Stumpertenrod revealed one of the largest Mesolithic assemblages in Germany. As a consequence of agricultural activities, the archaeological layers were partly eroded and the lithic artifact consisted mainly of surface finds. Between 1964 and 1966 Wolfgang Taute – a key-figure for the study of the Mesolithic in Europe – opened a trial-trench. Due to a lack of organic material, the campaign did not lead to the expected outcome and the site slowly fell into oblivion. The following article presents the results of typo-technological analyses of the lithic assemblage discovered in the course of the excavation. It provides new insights into the subsistence strategies of people during the early Holocene and re-integrates this significant site in current frameworks and debates. Furthermore, an interregional comparison of archaeological features and topographic parameters involving modern theoretical and methodological approaches, leads to a better understanding of the Early Mesolithic in the western part of Central Germany.
{"title":"Wolfgang Taute’s Excavation at the Open-Air Site Feuersteinacker and the Early Mesolithic in the Western Part of Central Germany","authors":"Thomas Hess","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2097812","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2097812","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Surveys near the village of Stumpertenrod revealed one of the largest Mesolithic assemblages in Germany. As a consequence of agricultural activities, the archaeological layers were partly eroded and the lithic artifact consisted mainly of surface finds. Between 1964 and 1966 Wolfgang Taute – a key-figure for the study of the Mesolithic in Europe – opened a trial-trench. Due to a lack of organic material, the campaign did not lead to the expected outcome and the site slowly fell into oblivion. The following article presents the results of typo-technological analyses of the lithic assemblage discovered in the course of the excavation. It provides new insights into the subsistence strategies of people during the early Holocene and re-integrates this significant site in current frameworks and debates. Furthermore, an interregional comparison of archaeological features and topographic parameters involving modern theoretical and methodological approaches, leads to a better understanding of the Early Mesolithic in the western part of Central Germany.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44058443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-11DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2092299
L. Timbrell
ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic halted scientific research across the world, revealing the vulnerabilities of field-based disciplines to disruption. To ensure resilience in the face of future emergencies, archaeology needs to be more sustainable with international collaboration at the forefront. This article presents a collaborative data collection model for documenting lithics using digital photography and physical measurements taken in-situ by local collaborators. Data capture protocols to optimise standardisation are outlined, and guidelines are provided for data curation, storage and sharing. Adopting collaborative research strategies can have long-term advantages beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, by encouraging knowledge-sharing between international collaborators, decreasing emissions associated with archaeological research, and improving accessibility for those who are not able to travel for access to international samples. This article proposes that archaeology should use the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for change through encouraging deeper collaborations and the development of remote models of science as a complement to in-person research.
{"title":"A Collaborative Model for Lithic Shape Digitization in Museum Settings","authors":"L. Timbrell","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2092299","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2092299","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic halted scientific research across the world, revealing the vulnerabilities of field-based disciplines to disruption. To ensure resilience in the face of future emergencies, archaeology needs to be more sustainable with international collaboration at the forefront. This article presents a collaborative data collection model for documenting lithics using digital photography and physical measurements taken in-situ by local collaborators. Data capture protocols to optimise standardisation are outlined, and guidelines are provided for data curation, storage and sharing. Adopting collaborative research strategies can have long-term advantages beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, by encouraging knowledge-sharing between international collaborators, decreasing emissions associated with archaeological research, and improving accessibility for those who are not able to travel for access to international samples. This article proposes that archaeology should use the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for change through encouraging deeper collaborations and the development of remote models of science as a complement to in-person research.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48402164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-08DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2097813
Pablo Ambrústolo
ABSTRACT The lithic assemblages recorded from shell middens along the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia, reveal some common trends. In general terms, abundant debris, and a few tools and cores have been identified. The lithic assemblages’ general characteristics suggest knapping activities related to intermediate and final stages of the manufacturing sequence linked to the production and maintenance of tools made from local raw materials, such as chert and silicified tuff. Within the framework of the techno-typological similarities registered in the archaeological assemblages from the shell middens, we identified tools with particular morphologies. An example of this were the denticulates. A highlight was the discovery of concentrations of these tools in surface contexts associated with marine resource exploitation. Applying techno-morphological and morphometric analysis we recorded a general pattern of low variation in the denticulates. This suggests high levels of replication fidelity. This theme is developed and discussed here.
{"title":"Morphometric Characterization of Denticulate Edged Tools from the Northern Coast of the Santa Cruz Province, Argentine Patagonia","authors":"Pablo Ambrústolo","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2097813","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2097813","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The lithic assemblages recorded from shell middens along the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia, reveal some common trends. In general terms, abundant debris, and a few tools and cores have been identified. The lithic assemblages’ general characteristics suggest knapping activities related to intermediate and final stages of the manufacturing sequence linked to the production and maintenance of tools made from local raw materials, such as chert and silicified tuff. Within the framework of the techno-typological similarities registered in the archaeological assemblages from the shell middens, we identified tools with particular morphologies. An example of this were the denticulates. A highlight was the discovery of concentrations of these tools in surface contexts associated with marine resource exploitation. Applying techno-morphological and morphometric analysis we recorded a general pattern of low variation in the denticulates. This suggests high levels of replication fidelity. This theme is developed and discussed here.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49253977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-05DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2095492
R. Selden
ABSTRACT Generally considered diagnostic of Late Prehistoric Toyah assemblages, Perdiz arrow points are characteristic of the transition from the Late Prehistoric to the Protohistoric. If larger Perdiz arrow points from Caddo burials are conceived of as products of trade and/or exchange with Toyah groups, then those with longer blade lengths provide inference to shifts in Caddo selective preference, while those with shorter blade lengths evince local approaches to resharpening and/or retouch that were uniquely Caddo. This study asks whether linear shape variables convey discrete regional resharpening strategies, whether morphological trajectories differ between the northern and southern behavioral regions, and whether morphological disparity differs between larger and smaller size classes, as defined by differences in blade length. Results demonstrate distinct regional resharpening strategies and divergent morphological trajectories for Perdiz arrow points included as Caddo mortuary offerings in the northern and southern behavioral regions.
{"title":"Morphologically Similar, but Regionally Distinct: Perdiz Arrow Points from Caddo Burial Contexts in the American Southeast","authors":"R. Selden","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2095492","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2095492","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Generally considered diagnostic of Late Prehistoric Toyah assemblages, Perdiz arrow points are characteristic of the transition from the Late Prehistoric to the Protohistoric. If larger Perdiz arrow points from Caddo burials are conceived of as products of trade and/or exchange with Toyah groups, then those with longer blade lengths provide inference to shifts in Caddo selective preference, while those with shorter blade lengths evince local approaches to resharpening and/or retouch that were uniquely Caddo. This study asks whether linear shape variables convey discrete regional resharpening strategies, whether morphological trajectories differ between the northern and southern behavioral regions, and whether morphological disparity differs between larger and smaller size classes, as defined by differences in blade length. Results demonstrate distinct regional resharpening strategies and divergent morphological trajectories for Perdiz arrow points included as Caddo mortuary offerings in the northern and southern behavioral regions.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43851745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-04DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2095491
Kadriye Özçelik, Göknur Karahan
ABSTRACT After the discovery of Homo erectus remains (circa 1.2 Ma) in Denizli, through examination of their surviving material culture, many sites containing lithics which could be attributed to Homo erectus have been located. It have revealed quartz assemblages in the parts of Denizli connected to the Menderes and Gediz Massif. The assemblages detected in Buldan and Güney associate with Mode 1 and Mode 2 techno-complexes. As the first systematic bipolar knapping study in the Paleolithic of Turkey, techno-typological analyses supported by experimental analyses will be a guide for future studies. As a result of these analyses, bipolar knapping, freehand technique, and the alternate use of both could be suggested as strategies for dealing with environmental raw material limitations or as a technical behavioral choice. In this context, the lithic assemblages in question, with their specific characteristics, shed new light on the dispersal of the early hominins out of Africa.
{"title":"The Paleolithic Quartz Assemblages of Denizli (South Aegean, Western Anatolia): A Selection of Bipolar Knapping, Techno-Typological and Experimental Approaches","authors":"Kadriye Özçelik, Göknur Karahan","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2095491","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2095491","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT After the discovery of Homo erectus remains (circa 1.2 Ma) in Denizli, through examination of their surviving material culture, many sites containing lithics which could be attributed to Homo erectus have been located. It have revealed quartz assemblages in the parts of Denizli connected to the Menderes and Gediz Massif. The assemblages detected in Buldan and Güney associate with Mode 1 and Mode 2 techno-complexes. As the first systematic bipolar knapping study in the Paleolithic of Turkey, techno-typological analyses supported by experimental analyses will be a guide for future studies. As a result of these analyses, bipolar knapping, freehand technique, and the alternate use of both could be suggested as strategies for dealing with environmental raw material limitations or as a technical behavioral choice. In this context, the lithic assemblages in question, with their specific characteristics, shed new light on the dispersal of the early hominins out of Africa.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43266768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-23DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2091264
M. Lombard
ABSTRACT The tip cross-sectional area (TCSA) approach is a useful morphometric approach to hypothesise about variation in Stone Age/Palaeolithic weapon-assisted hunting. Lightweight-javelin tips were recently added to the original standardized ranges for stabbing-spear tips, spearthrower-dart tips, and arrow tips, making the method more suitable to hypothesise about variability in ancient stone-tipped hunting strategies. Here I explore aspects around the origins of lightweight-javelin hunting through TCSA analysis. I suggest that MIS 6 is the most likely timing of early lightweight-javelin hunting in southern Africa, and perhaps also in the Levant, and that subsequently this hunting behavior – used in tandem with stabbing spears – probably became increasingly widespread. I also predict that the earliest evidence for lightweight-javelin hunting may come from geographic regions that experience cyclic resource stress and where endurance running is habitual.
{"title":"A Standardized Approach to the Origins of Lightweight-Javelin Hunting","authors":"M. Lombard","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2091264","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2091264","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The tip cross-sectional area (TCSA) approach is a useful morphometric approach to hypothesise about variation in Stone Age/Palaeolithic weapon-assisted hunting. Lightweight-javelin tips were recently added to the original standardized ranges for stabbing-spear tips, spearthrower-dart tips, and arrow tips, making the method more suitable to hypothesise about variability in ancient stone-tipped hunting strategies. Here I explore aspects around the origins of lightweight-javelin hunting through TCSA analysis. I suggest that MIS 6 is the most likely timing of early lightweight-javelin hunting in southern Africa, and perhaps also in the Levant, and that subsequently this hunting behavior – used in tandem with stabbing spears – probably became increasingly widespread. I also predict that the earliest evidence for lightweight-javelin hunting may come from geographic regions that experience cyclic resource stress and where endurance running is habitual.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44499069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}