Скачать или смотреть Experimental Archaeology and Traceology in Lithic Projectile Fractures

Creating a Reference Collection with Bow and Arrow

by Rafael Antunes Novaes de Carvalho
Campinas, SP – Brazil, 2025.

This study presents an experimental archaeology project aimed at producing a reference collection of impact fractures in lithic projectile points. The research focuses on the replication and controlled use of projectile points associated with the Umbu archaeological phase, specifically those excavated at the prehistoric site, known as “Abrigo Dalpiaz site” (RS-LN-1, Brazil). The primary objective is to provide comparative material for future traceology analyses, aiding in the identification of projectile use-wear patterns in archaeological contexts.

To achieve this, experimental lithic points were replicated using raw materials analogous to those found at the site. Two types of projectile points were used: Polonio and Garivaldinense, crafted from dacite and silicified sandstone, respectively. Nine projectile replicas were produced and mounted on wooden shafts with natural fiber bindings. The experimental procedure involved controlled shooting of these replicas using a traditional wooden bow and modern bow at a standardized target—a recently butchered pig rib, combined with EVA foam layers to simulate soft tissue resistance. The shooting was conducted from distances of 5 and 10 meters, with systematic recording of penetration depth, fracture morphology, and projectile integrity.

The study showed the possibility of making traceology experiments (use-wear) without many resources available, giving hope for future development in this line of research at Brazil.