Projectiles and impact traces

Principal investigator

Veerle ROTS

Funding

ULiège (Fonds spéciaux pour la recherche)

Years

2012-2014

Summary

The use of prehistoric tools can be reconstructed through functional analysis. Several problems persist in the identification of hunting weapons and their delivery systems because a referential framework based on large-scale systematic experiments is lacking. The goal of this project is to provide such a framework that will help improve identification criteria and determine the potential of each approach.

Further reading

• Coppe J., Lepers C., Clarenne V., Delaunois E., Pirlot M. & Rots V., 2019 – Ballistic study tackles kinetic energy values of Palaeolithic weaponry. Archaeometry 61: 933-956
• Coppe J. & Rots V., 2017 – Focus on the target. The importance of a transparent fracture terminology for understanding projectile points and projecting modes. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 12: 109-123
• Rots V. & Plisson H., 2014 – Projectiles and the abuse of the use-wear method in a search for impact. Journal of Archaeological Science 48: 154-165