Category Archives: 2009 # 1

2009 # 1

2009–REVIEW

Cover 2009

CONTENTS

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON, Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO, Pierre CATTELAIN,
Matthieu HONEGGER, Christian NORMAND, Nicolas VALDEYRON

NEW LIGHT ON PALAEOLITHIC, MESOLITHIC
AND NEOLITHIC PROJECTILE WEAPON ELEMENTS

PART 1
FUNCTIONAL PROSPECTS

Christian NORMAND, Magen O’FARRELL, Joseba RIOS GARAIZAR

THE FUNCTION(S) OF ARCHAIC AURIGNACIAN BLADELETS:
Data and Thoughts Based on Examples from Isturitz Cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)

Valentina BORGIA

ANCIENT GRAVETTIAN IN THE SOUTH OF ITALY:
Functional Analysis of Backed Points from Grotta Plagicci (Foggia) and Grotta della Cala (Salerno)

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON

WHAT ARE THESE BARBS FOR?
Preliminary Study on the Function of the Upper Magdalenian Barbed Weapon Tips

Mara-Julia WEBER

FABRICATION AND USE OF HAMBURGIAN SHOULDERED POINTS:
New Data from Poggenwisch and Teltwisch 1 (Ahrensbourg Valley, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)

Lorène CHESNAUX

SAUVETERRIAN MICROLITHS:
Evidence of the hunting Weapons of the Last Hunter-gatherers of the Northern Alps

Stefano GRIMALDI

EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS OF EARLY MESOLITHIC POINTS IN NORTH-EAST ITALY

Matthieu HONEGGER

LUNATE MICROLITHS IN THE HOLOCENE INDUSTRIES OF NUBIA:
Multifunctional Tools, Sickle Blades or Weapon Elements?

Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO

ON THE NOTION OF WAR WEAPONRY IN THE NEOLITHIC

PART 2
DIACHRONIC PROSPECTS

Aurélien SIMONET

A GRAVETTIAN KNAPPING WORKSHOP AT TERCIS (LANDES):
a Probable Case of Apprenticeship in the Fabrication of Lithic Weapon Tips

Mathieu LANGLAIS

CHRONOLOGY AND TERRITORIES IN THE MAGDALENIAN
BETWEEN THE RHÔNE AND EBRO RIVERS:
the Exemple of Lithics Points

Nicolas NAUDINOT

LITHIC WEAPON ELEMENTS IN WESTERN FRANCE
(BRITTANY AND PAYS DE LA LOIRE) DURING THE LATE GLACIAL PERIOD:
a Proposed Chrono-cultural Organization and Reduction Sequence

Nicolas VALDEYRON, Bruno BOSC-ZANARDO, Thomas BRIAND

THE EVOLUTION OF STONE WEAPON ELEMENTS AND CULTURAL DYNAMICS
DURING THE MESOLITHIC IN SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE:
the Case of the Haut Quercy (Lot, France)

Anne HAUZEUR, Hartwig LÖHR

ARROWHEAD LATERALIZATION:
Recent Data from the Mosel Region in the Context of the North-West Linear Pottery Culture

Georgia STRATOULI, Odysseas METAXAS

PROJECTILE TIPS FROM NEOLITHIC LAYERS OF DRAKAINA CAVE
ON KEPHALONIA,IONAN ISLAND, W. GREECE:
Technological “Conservatism” and Social Identity

Javier FERNÁNDEZ LÓPEZ DE PABLO, Juan Francisco GIBAJA BAO, Antoni PALOMO

GEOMETRIC WEAPON ELEMENTS DURING THE NEOLITHIC IN THE EASTERN IBERIAN PENINSULA:
Typological, Technological and Functional Aspects

Bruno BOSC-ZANARDO, François BON, François-Xavier FAUVELLE-AYMAR

BUSHMEN ARROWS AND THEIR RECENT HISTORY:
Crossed Outlooks of Historical, Ethnological and Archaeological Sources

2009 # 1

2009-01–PÉTILLON-ET-ALII

NEW LIGHT ON PALAEOLITHIC, MESOLITHIC
AND NEOLITHIC PROJECTILE WEAPON ELEMENTS

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON, Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO, Pierre CATTELAIN, Matthieu HONEGGER, Christian NORMAND, Nicolas VALDEYRON

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Stone or bone, transverse heads or points, barbs, foreshafts, harpoon heads… Projectile weapon elements are found in many forms in prehistoric sites, at least from the beginning of the Upper Palaeolithic. These artefacts first attract archaeologists with their great numbers, often dominating proportions in tool assemblages, but they are also interesting due to their clearly dynamic role in prehistoric material culture: the morphology and/or technical characteristics of many of them vary significantly through time and space, thus constituting a useful tool for archaeologists in the construction of chronologies and the definition of cultures. Researchers often integrate these variations with other types of transformations—such as ecological or economic ones—to build interpretative models of the evolution of societies.

To cite this article

Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., 2009 – New Light on Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic Projectile Weapon Elements, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 1-5.
2009 # 1

2009-02–NORMAND-ET-ALII

THE FUNCTION(S) OF ARCHAIC AURIGNACIAN BLADELETS:

Data and Thoughts Based on Examples
from Isturitz Cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)

Christian NORMAND, Magen O’FARRELL, Joseba RIOS GARAIZAR

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Abstract

Very early on, prehistoric groups in the western Pyrenees benefitted from the favorable geographic situation and vast dimensions of Isturitz Cave. The excavations conducted there in the beginning of the 20th century revealed evidence of frequent occupations during the Middle, and especially Upper Paleolithic. Starting in 1999, new research in the Saint-Martin gallery has focused on its Aurignacian stratigraphic sequence. The base of this sequence is composed of rich Archaic Aurignacian assemblages with a lithic industry largely dominated by bladelets. In this paper, we present the first results of usewear analyses of these bladelets, which reveal diverse functions. However, we also insist on the need to validate our hypotheses through experimentation.

To cite this article

Normand C., O’Farrel M., Rios Garaizar J., 2009 – The Function(s) of Archaic Aurignacian Bladelets:Data and Thoughts based on Examples from Isturitz Cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France), in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 6-44.
2009 # 1

2009-03–BORGIA

Ancient Gravettian in the South of Italy:

Functional Analysis of Backed Points
from Grotta Plagicci (Foggia) and Grotta della Cala (Salerno)

Valentina BORGIA

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Abstract

This study is concentrated on the modalities of use of the Gravettian backed tools, considering the Adriatic side and that Tyrrhenian of southern Italy. A first part of the work has regarded the functional analysis of the backed instruments found in the Ancient Gravettian layers of Grotta Paglicci (Foggia).The methodological proposal derived from this study, based on the association of the techno-typometric and typological analysis with the use-wear analysis, has been extended for a comparison to the backed tools from a Gravettian site, almost coeval, on the opposite side of our peninsula: Grotta della Cala (Salerno).

To cite this article

Borgia V., 2009 – Ancient Gravettian in the South of Italy: Functional Analysis of Backed Points from Grotta Plagicci (Foggia) and Grotta della Cala (Salerno), in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 45-65.
2009 # 1

2009-04–PÉTILLON

What are these barbs for?

Preliminary Study on the Function
of the Upper Magdalenian Barbed Weapon Tips

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON

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Abstract

Based on previous works by M. Julien (1982) and G.C. Weniger (1995), this paper presents some preliminary hypotheses on the possible functions of the osseous barbed points from the Upper Magdalenian (ca. 13 500-12 000 cal BC). Taking as a starting point the statement that their appearance and development coincide with an increased interest in small animal hunting (fish, birds, lagomorphs), we attempted to correlate the relative abundance of barbed points with the representation of small game, but the data from our test area (Northern Pyrenees) did not provide conclusive results. A survey of the barbed points of Northern American hunter-gatherers known by ethnography shows a clear functional trend: “simple” barbed points are mostly used for fowling, for hunting big and small land game, and for war; while “true” harpoons are mostly used for fishing and hunting sea mammals and aquatic mammals. However, when based on a rigorous operational definition of harpoons, the morphology of the Magdalenian barbed points appears not to allow their positive classification as harpoon heads. Thus, their function remains largely undetermined. We therefore suggest several possible directions for future research on this topic.

To cite this article

Pétillon J.-M., 2009 – What are these Barbs for? Preliminary Study on the Function of the Upper Magdalenian Barbed Weapon Tips, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 66-97.
2009 # 1

2009-05–WEBER

Fabrication and use
of hamburgian shouldered points:

New Data from Poggenwisch and Teltwisch 1
(Ahrensbourg Valley, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)

Mara-Julia WEBER

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Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present certain characteristics of Hamburgian shouldered points that can be compared with Magdalenian lithic points. The collections studied are those of Poggenwisch and Teltwisch 1. The blanks of these points are narrow and thin blades with a relatively rectilinear profile. One question that is raised is whether they originate in part from a specific schema opératoire (operational scheme) employed with the objective of obtaining these blanks, which seem to have been detached using a soft stone hammer. Despite some common characteristics, I observed a difference in the degree of standardisation between the two collections studied. The microburin technique was used during the shaping of the blanks into points. The basal modifications are highly variable, which has not yet been explained. One of the causes could be related to the hafting method, for which I propose an alternative that takes into account the profile of the points, as well as the lack of wood in the environment.

To cite this article

Weber M.-J., 2009 – Fabrication and Use of Hamburgian Shouldered Points: New Data from Poggenwisch and Teltwisch 1 (Ahrensbourg Valley, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany), in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 98-132.
2009 # 1

2009-06–CHESNAUX

Sauveterrian microliths:

Evidence of the Hunting Weapons
of the Last Hunter-gatherers of the Northern Alps

Lorène CHESNAUX

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Abstract

In this paper, I present interpretations of the stigmata of fabrication (observation of retouch methods) and use (observation of impact traces and hafting glue residues) of microliths and hyper-microliths (arrowheads) of the Middle Mesolithic Sauveterrian period. Based on the first results obtained from the sites of Grande Rivoire, Pas de la Charmate (Vercors, Isère) and Sinard (Trièves, Isère), a reconstruction of the hafting modes of these tools is proposed. The results of a first experimental test are also presented.

To cite this article

Chesnaux L., 2009 – Sauveterrian Microliths: Evidence of the Hunting Weapons of the last Hunter-gatherers of the Northern Alps, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 133-146.
2009 # 1

2009-07–GRIMALDI

Experimental observations
of early Mesolithic points in north-east Italy

Stefano GRIMALDI

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Abstract

We present an analysis of Sauveterrian microlithic backed points from sites located in the Trentino region of the north-eastern Italian Alps: Pradestel, Lago delle Buse & Colbricon. Experimental arrows were produced, hafted and shot into an animal target. The results of this study indicate that these points may have been “ineffective” for the hunting of medium to large-sized prey, such as ibex, red deer, bear, or wild boar. We propose that Sauveterrian microliths can rather be correlated with the hunting of small forest prey such as roe deer, marmot and other animals with thick fur. An alternative hypothesis for the hunting of large game is also proposed.

To cite this article

Grimaldi S., 2009 – Experimental Observations of Early Mesolithic Points in North-East Italy, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 147-160.
2009 # 1

2009-08–HONEGGER

Lunate microliths
in the Holocene industries of Nubia:

Multifunctional Tools, Sickle Blades or Weapon Elements?

Matthieu HONEGGER

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Abstract

In Nubia, lunates (circle segments) are one of the most characteristic tools from the beginning of the Holocene to the end of proto-history, or even later. According to some interpretations, they are generally considered as being arrowhead or sickle blades. Taking into account archaeological examples, very diverse in their context and dating, the present article tries to summarize our knowledge on the question of their function. While previous studies have essentially taken into account the existence of traces or organic residues (gloss or polish, hafting glue, handle or shaft) and less often the context of discovery (tips driven into human bones or embedded in skeletons), they have not, on the other hand, considered the question of impact fractures and the dimensions of lunates. By collecting all these observations, it is possible to differentiate small sized lunates having mainly been used as projectile tips or barbs and bigger pieces meant to fit knives for cutting vegetal materials or sickles. We can however not exclude other uses for some of the lunates, as it is possible that pieces of medium dimensions could have had a functioned as arrowheads or sickle blades. Finally, we can observe a tendency through time toward a reduction in size of the lunates and a greater standardization of the pieces intended to be used as projectiles.

To cite this article

Honegger M., 2009 – Lunate Microliths in the Holocene Industries of Nubia: Multifunctional Tools, Sickle Blades or Weapon Elements?, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 161-173.
2009 # 1

2009-09–DIAS-MEIRINHO

On the notion of war weaponry in the Neolithic

Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO

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Abstract

DIn the context of ongoing, multidisciplinary by the ANR project “GUEROPE” (“War and Violence in the first societies of Europe, an integrated approach”, directed by L. Baray) and a doctoral thesis in progress, I present a study of weaponry, and particularly projectiles, used in interhuman violence. The study and resulting discussion are based on archaeological remains from the end of the Neolithic in France. Certain research procedures and preliminary results are presented in advance of an exhaustive publication in the future.

To cite this article

Dias-Meirinho M.-H., 2009 – On the Notion of War Weaponry in the Neolithic, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 174-182.