Finding the Paleoindian spearthrower: quantitative evidence for mechanically-assisted propulsion of lithic armatures during the North American Paleoindian Period

Archaeologists have long assumed that fluted points were used by North American Paleoindians as spearthrower dart armatures despite a lack of empirical evidence of the spearthrower from the Paleoindian Period. Employing non-subjective, quantitative data derived from velocity-dependent micro-fracture features observed on damaged fluted and un-fluted Paleoindian lithic points, this research presents empirical evidence for the existence of the Paleoindian spearthrower. In addition, the research serves as proof-of-concept for a novel quantitative method of lithic analysis that has far-reaching potential to contribute significantly to our understanding of the human past. Crown Copyright (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.