Translation of the summary of the Doctorate thesis of Ulrich Stodiek, "Zur Technologie der jungpalaolithischen Speerschleuder."

Summary

J. Whittaker: Ethnographic survey, size ranges.

Australian info: successful hunting range 10-30 m.

Upper Paleolithic archaeological survey: 123 specimens of hook ends [which include the famous animal carvings, and some pieces considered by others to be complete].

Two hook types: hook, and hook + groove.

Surviving pieces are too short to be complete, would be part of more complex tool.

Reconstructions and experiments performed: Needed fletching on pine shafts with antler points. Flexibility of spear affects system. Max distance with reconstructions 180.9 m. Bow vs atlatl experiments: arrow 40-50% more velocity, 1/17 the time to launch. Spear 60-70% more kinetic energy because heavier (90 gm).

Penetration of bison carcass poor with atlatl and antler point (10cm), better with lithic points. Bone points survive damage better than stone.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 10142

Notes

Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.