North American Clovis Point Form and Performance II: An Experimental Assessment of Point, Haft, and Shaft Durability

ABSTRACT

This study presents the results of an experimental assessment of Clovis projectile durability, or the ability of Clovis point forms and their hafts to withstand impact damage. This work is the second contribution in a series of experimental studies aimed at shedding light on the functional performance of distinct Clovis point forms. For this experiment we fired seven replica Clovis point forms, representing the average and extremes of observed Clovis form, into wood boards until damaged. The resulting damage to the point, haft lashings, and shaft were recorded on each of the 203 specimens. Statistical comparison of the damage indicated differences among the point forms in the amount of damage to the points, haft lashings, and shafts. We show that these results indicate a broad inverse relationship with penetration capability, suggesting a functional trade-off that may have influenced Paleoindian point design.

KEYWORDS:

• Clovis

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Craig Ratzat of Neolithics (www.neolithics.com) and Bob and Cheryl Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl (www.thunderbirdatlatl.com) for their tireless efforts in producing the specimens used in this experiment, as well as for providing descriptions for the production of the stone projectile tips and how they were hafted.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) [Award IDs: 1649395, 1649406, 1649409]. M. I. E., M. R. B., and D. W. are also supported by the Kent State University College of Arts and Sciences.

Notes on contributors

Metin I. Eren

Metin I. Eren is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Kent State University and a Research Associate at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Michelle R. Bebber

Michelle R. Bebber is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Kent State University.

Dan Wilcox

Daniel Wilcox is an M. A. candidate in Anthropology at Kent State University.

Brett Story

Brett Story is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Southern Methodist University Lyle School of Engineering.

Briggs Buchanan

Briggs Buchanan is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Tulsa.