Экспериментально-трасологические исследования наконечников стрел в мезолите Горного Крыма

Abstract

Traceological analysis of all microliths from multilayer sites Zamil-Koba 1 and 2, Alimovskiy rockshelter, Tash-Air 1, Kukrek revealed arrowheads of various types. Transverse arrowheads prevail in layers of the early phase of the Shan-Koba culture. Long segments and trapezes were used for this purpose. Oblique bladed arrowheads with a barb make a series. Long segments fixed in an oblique slot at the end of an arrow shaft were used as such arrowheads. Lanceolate points were used as piercing arrowheads which were met as single finds. Transverse arrowheads dominate at sites of the late phase of the Shan-Koba culture, while oblique bladed arrowheads with a barb are single. Upper layers of Alimovskiy rockshelter and Kukrek sites dated to the end of the Mesolithic produced only transverse arrowheads. Long trapezes and a small number of small long segments were used as such arrowheads. A number of experiments were carried out by the authors for verification of traceological definitions, research of behavior of different types of arrowheads when they hit the target and formation of various use-wear traces on arrowheads. Arrows were shot with bow at various targets. Experiments took place at Kholodnaya Balka in the Crimean Mountains in the suburb of Simferopol. Replicas of microliths from Mesolithic sites of the Crimean Mountains were used as arrowheads. Bow and arrow shafts were made of local hazel, dogwoods, buckthorn and pine. All stages of experiments were carefully documented. More than 500 shots were fired, and more than 50 arrowheads were used. As a result valuable data about behavior of arrowheads when hitting the target were obtained. Macro- and micro- wear traces on experimental replicas of arrowheads correspond well with traces on arrowheads singled out by the authors from studied collections of artefacts from Mesolithic sites of the Crimean Mountains and confirm validity of use-wear definitions.