Experimental assessment of lanceolate projectile point and haft robustness

Stone lanceolate projectile points are characterized as having a lance shape with tip tapering to an apex and found in the archaeological record at different times places across world. In North America, important component of Paleoindian period. One main factors design is robusticity, which refers how much point breaks result failure stone upon impact. this paper we investigate that influence robustness points. To do this, present results controlled ballistic experiment using 412 14 forms differences robustness. We hafted these darts fired them into oak board induce impact failure. then analyzed resulting breakage haft damage. assess characteristics on constructed Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. Results show short, wide, thick blade were more robust than long, narrow, thin blades. Using separate model, also damage occurred often Therefore, suggest trade-off between was likely consideration for prehistoric flintknappers when designing their weapons.