Stone projectiles at Grotta di Pozzo (Italy). Results of a macro-fractures analysis

Abstract

Grotta di Pozzo is a small cave at 720 m asl and 42° N in the Apennine range of Abruzzo (Central Italy), formerly opening on the edge of a now drained large lake, the Lake Fucino. The archaeological sequence starts on the top of a fluvial-lacustrine deposit at 23,000 cal. BP, with layers including lithic industry of the Early Epigravettian. Later on, from 15,500 cal. BP and up to 14,000 cal. BP, the lithics belong to the Final Epigravettian. Previous zooarchaeological analysis provided evidence of the seasonal hunting of chamois, followed by ibex and red deer, as well as marmot and black grouse, while trout eventually became another important food resource. Here we analyse the lithic industry in order to identify the projectile points using analysis under the microscope coupled with access to a reference collection and with experimental training. We conclude that microlithic backed tools were definitely projectile points, as widely assumed in the case of the Epigravettian but rarely confirmed by focused investigation. Furthermore, use-wears due to hafting suggest that after the Last Glacial Maximum the hunting gear possibly included complex weapons in the mountain environment of the Central Apennine.