A techno-functional perspective on quartz micro-notches in Sibudu's Howiesons Poort indicates the use of barbs in hunting technology. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de la Peña, P.; Taipale, N.; Wadley, L.; Rots, V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 93(2018)
• Page Start: 166
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Quartz -- Notch -- Barb -- Projectile -- Sibudu -- Howiesons poort -- Use-wear; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2018.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper we present the results of a use-wear study of quartz micro-notches identified during a technological analysis of lithics from the Howiesons Poort layers of Sibudu Cave. Building on the technological analysis and preliminary functional screening of the archaeological material, a series of experiments was designed to evaluate different hypotheses for notch formation (blank production, intentional notching, hafting, projectile use, and trampling). The experimental reference collection was compared with archaeological micro-notches and a large sample of other archaeological quartz pieces (including bladelets, bipolar blanks, flakes and retouched pieces). This allowed us to evaluate the causes of micro-notch formation in the studied assemblage. Results indicate two novelties in the Howiesons Poort hunting technology at Sibudu: the use of quartz barbs and non-retouched quartz blanks. It seems that in addition to backed pieces (segments, obliquely backed points, etc.), unretouched pieces were mounted as elements in hunting weapons during the Howiesons Poort techno-tradition. Seven probable and 29 tentative barbs were identified. We thus present one of the strongest and oldest bodies of evidence for the use of barbs as projectile elements. Highlights: Functional analysis of micro-notched quartz artefacts demonstrated that the micro-notches are the result of a variety of processes. Several quartz blanks analysed proved to be implements or fragments that were once hafted as barbs on hunting weapons. Unretouched pieces were mounted as elements in hunting weapons during the Howiesons Poort techno-tradition. We present one of the strongest and oldest bodies of evidence for the use of barbs as projectile elements in prehistory.