Focus on the target. The importance of a transparent fracture terminology for understanding projectile points and projecting modes

Abstract

Projectile points have always attracted a lot of attention, but the last few years, efforts have intensified to recognize them in assemblages and to understand the details of their functioning (propulsion mode, hafting method, …). Debates have increased following the recognition of older projectile points and the use of projectiles as indicators of human behavioural complexity. The most frequently used method for identifying projectiles relies on the identification of so-called “diagnostic impact fractures”. Although this procedure appears clear, a careful review of the literature reveals numerous inconsistencies in their description and terminology. We discuss some of these inconsistencies that seem to cause confusion and we present some first steps toward an improved methodology for the identification of projectile points based on new experimental data.