Hunting during the Upper Paleolithic: Bow, Spearthrower, or Both?

Summary

J. Whittaker: Defines atlatl and bow. Spearthrower works by lever action. Discusses two geographical groups 1) Arctic – “used exclusively from a seated position in kayaks in a marine environment” and 2) Australian, used standing in terrestrial settings. Both are highly variable, used with variety of projectiles, often diff forms for same purpose or for specialized purposes, no consistent patterns. Throwing distances recorded over 100m, but hunting from 10-45 m, usually less. Bow range is similar. Bow is more accurate, cites European contests using same distance and targets, participants score 65% as well with atlatl as with bow. Lengthy discussion of experiments with Gravette points replicating finds at Abri Pataud. Goat carcass target, 145 throws, 127 bow shots, 41% and 25% misses. More breakage with atlatl, especially flex breaks, but not really distinctive, so can’t conclude whether were dart or arrow points. [Good article, ethno + exper info, refs].

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 10156

Notes

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