Fig 1.
A schematic representation of evidence and methodology widely used for determining prehistoric projectile weaponry.
Strength of evidence increases from 1 (i.e. hafting) to 4. Larger ethnographic datasets and more experiments are still needed to test these indices further. Impact fractures considered diagnostic of projectiles do not distinguish between simple and complex projectiles; more work should explore this possibility. Methods depicted in 5 require adequate demonstration of applicability. In all approaches, the claim for projectile use should effectively eliminate potential use as thrusting spears, or even as hafted knives, barbed clubs, etc.
Fig 2.
A sample of pointed artifacts from Aduma: A1 diminutive handaxe and points (top row); A4 and A8 points considered intermediate in age (middle row); and A5 points (bottom row).
(a) small, triangular handaxe on obsidian; (b-k) points. Note that items b, e, h, and i have acute-tip; c and f broad-base; d, e, f, h, i, and k proximal retouch; and a, b, c, and h heavy patination.
Fig 3.
Box-plots of Aduma lithic point dimensions (top); Tip cross-sectional area (TCSA), and perimeter (TCSP) of Aduma and ethnographic point assemblages (bottom).
Table 1.
Comparison of Aduma points with ethnographic arrowheads, dart tips, and spear tips using independent sample t-test.
(Units in mm/mm2; SD = Standard Deviation).
Table 2.
Aduma point attributes: tip angle, artifact weight, modification for hafting (through proximal thinning), and damage, including DIFs.
Fig 4.
Selected examples of impact fractures on Aduma points: (a) transverse fracture with snap termination on the smallest of Aduma A1 points; (b) tip snap on point from A8; (c,d) burin-like fractures on points from A8; (e) point with transversely fractured base from A8; (f) bending fracture with hinge termination across the distal tip of an A5 point, with fracture occurring after intentional retouch; (g) burin-like fracture on the distal tip of an A5 point—note also the damage across the proximal end on the ventral face of this point; (h) photomicrograph of fracture wings along the proximal end of a piece from Aduma A5 depicted in “g”.