期刊
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHOD AND THEORY
卷 29, 期 4, 页码 1131-1157出版社
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s10816-022-09551-z
关键词
Propulsion mode; Stone-tipped projectiles; Ballistics; Fracture mechanics; Use-wear analysis Experimental archaeology
资金
- European Research Council under the H2020 European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP/2007-2013) [312283]
- ULiege (FSR)
Weapons and past weapon systems are important research topics in Paleolithic archaeology. However, identifying what weapon system was used has been a methodological challenge. In this study, ballistic analysis is used to explore four different modes of propulsion in the Paleolithic period. The concept of reactional impact stress (RIS) is introduced to better understand projectile impact phenomenon. The results show the importance of RIS in accurately understanding projectile impacts and the existence of distinct RIS between the tested weapon systems.
Weapons and past weapon systems are important research topics in Paleolithic archaeology. Its popularity stems from its relevance for understanding broader technological evolution, subsistence strategies, and human behavior. However, identifying what weapon system was used has proven to be a significant methodological challenge over the last few decades and in spite of what some titles of recent publications suggest, the question is still not resolved. In this paper, we present the results of a ballistic analysis of the four modes of propulsion that are traditionally considered for the Paleolithic period (bow, spear-thrower, hand-cast and thrusting spear). We advocate a stepwise approach to the problem given the multiple variables involved. The goal of this study is to add an essential building block to current understanding by exploring the notion of reactional impact stress (RIS) on the basis of the angle of incidence developed by the different projectiles. Our results show the importance of RIS for accurately understanding the projectile impact phenomenon and the existence of a reproducible and mutually distinct RIS between the four tested weapon systems. These results shed a new light on approaches that have been used previously to examine weapon systems archaeologically, such as those relying on the length of diagnostic impact fractures. Our results allow the proposition of an alternative approach that appears to hold great potential, in particular for identifying the use of the bow. While a reliable method for recognizing past propulsion modes is not yet established, we conclude that the solution lies within the integration of several fields, more in particular use-wear analysis, fracture mechanics in brittle solids, and ballistics and we progressively move forward in identifying the key building blocks of such a method.
作者
我是这篇论文的作者
点击您的名字以认领此论文并将其添加到您的个人资料中。
推荐
暂无数据