An experimental approach to understanding Aurignacian projectile technology in NW Europe

Abstract

Understanding the challenges and trials faced by early Upper Palaeolithic people in north-west Europe has been an avenue of investigation since the earliest archaeological research of this time period. In the decades since, huge amounts of time and effort have been invested in studying the lithic and osseous tools found in caves, rock shelters and rare open-air sites. However, this time and effort has almost exclusively been focussed on understanding the objects that have stood the test of time, with little consideration of the components that may have once been attached to these surviving objects. The components that no longer survive are at least as important as the surviving parts. They can offer different insights into the challenges faced by the first modern humans in Europe which can give indications of the likely hunting or movement strategies of these early groups. Limited experimental study has shown that the osseous points of the Aurignacian (c. 44-31 ka cal BP) are almost certainly spear points and that they were effective at causing wounds to Pleistocene herbivores. However, like much past literature, the focus has been on the spear tips rather than the whole of the spear.
This thesis changes tack from previous research in that it gives the limelight to the other components and materials that would have made an Aurignacian spear. It also investigates the possible reasoning for the manufacture and form of the spear tips, but with a view on the relationship with the other parts. Key questions will look at the role other Aurignacian tools played in the production of spears and if glues or mastics were required. Whether the spear tips were over-engineered or whether they were carefully designed to improve the longevity of more valuable components (such as the spear shaft). If resource management can be identified based on simulated plant biomes of Europe during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 and organic samples from around Europe, and what it tells us about sources of viable spear shafts. How these spears may have performed is tested using semi-controlled throwing experiments at a sports field, and in a drop tower, with a focus on all the components of the spear. Finally, what the experimental, biome, organic sample and archaeological evidence are used to evaluate the hunting strategies of Aurignacian groups in NW Europe.

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ORCID for Simon Davies: orcid.org/0000-0003-1830-5403

ORCID for Alistair Pike: orcid.org/0000-0002-5610-8948

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