The Bannerstone: A Prehistoric Prey-Specific Artifact Designed for Use in the Eastern Woodlands of North America. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kinsella, Larry
• Is Part Of: Ethnoarchaeology. Volume 5:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: atlatls -- weights -- bannerstones -- spear-throwers; Ethnoarchaeology -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1179/1944289013Z.0000000003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-2890

Abstract

Abstract : There are many hypotheses concerning the distinctive prehistoric ground-stone artifacts known to Americanist archaeologists as bannerstones or atlatl (spear-thrower) weights, but there is no consensus concerning the best explanation for their form and function. Based upon several decades of experience replicating and using atlatls, as well as observing white-tailed deer behavior in deciduous woodlands of eastern North America, I suggest a plausible function for bannerstones that differs from previous interpretations. For a hunter of white-tailed deer, waiting in ambush with atlatl and projectile in pre-launch position, a bannerstone attached to the atlatl works very well as a counterbalance. Focus upon detailed behavior of specific prey animals as well as on the hunting techniques and equipment of their human predators opens new lines of inquiry about atlatls and bannerstones.