Management of symbols: Weapons variability and the emergence of large tanged points in early pre-pottery neolithic context of Motza, Judean Hills, Israel

Abstract

Large tanged points characteristic of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) in the Levant signify a prominent departure from the long-lasting use of small-size projectile implements. The reason for the emergence of these tools remains enigmatic, especially on the background of experimental evidence from elsewhere indicating greater efficiency of small-size counterparts in hunting as well as in warfare. Here we investigate this phenomenon based on the early PPNB (EPPNB) occupation of Motza, where large tanged Jericho points occur together with relatively small and side-notched Helwan points.Examination of projectile damage patterns and metric characteristics showing that both types constituted tips of complex/high velocity projectiles led to delineation of function-related requirements associated with large tanged points in particular. These insights together with recent studies linking pre-domestic management of ungulates with Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA)–PPNB transition allowed formulation of a hypothesis that the emergence of large points reflected a changing perception of the kill of the animals in humans' care, namely introduction of proto sacrifice conducted in the form of ritual/ceremonial hunt. Our hypothesis, tested against the spatial distribution of Helwan and Jericho points in the EPPNB occupation of Motza with encouraging results, requires further examination involving analyses of functional and contextual aspects of large tanged points deriving from different phases of the period.