North American Clovis Point Form and Performance II: An Experimental Assessment of Point, Haft, and Shaft Durability

This study presents the results of an experimental assessment of Clovis projectile durability, or the ability of Clovis point forms and their hafts to withstand impact damage. This work is the second contribution in a series of experimental studies aimed at shedding light on the functional performance of distinct Clovis point forms. For this experiment we fired seven replica Clovis point forms, representing the average and extremes of observed Clovis form, into wood boards until damaged. The resulting damage to the point, haft lashings, and shaft were recorded on each of the 203 specimens. Statistical comparison of the damage indicated differences among the point forms in the amount of damage to the points, haft lashings, and shafts. We show that these results indicate a broad inverse relationship with penetration capability, suggesting a functional trade-off that may have influenced Paleoindian point design.

Automated summary

This study experimentally assessed the durability of Clovis projectiles, finding differences in damage among different point forms and suggesting a functional trade-off between penetration capability and design.