Early Upper Paleolithic Approaches to Bone and Antler Projectile Technology

Abstract

Results of a study of Early Upper Paleolithic bone and antler projectile points indicate that different strategies of design, manufacture, and performance of projectile technology were emphasized throughout the Early Upper Paleolithic. An integrated analysis of morphology and wear, as well as experimentation in the production and use of various Early Upper Paleolithic projectile technologies has demonstrated that, while there is change through time in Early Upper Paleolithic projectile technology, there are considerable similarities among contemporaneous approaches to organic projectile technology. Moreover, while Aurignacian organic projectile technology was the same throughout western Europe, Gravettian organic projectile point design varied among regions.