High-speed impact fractures and the global origins of projectile technology

Principal investigator

Chris CLARKSON (University of Queensland, Australia)

Co-principal investigators

Veerle ROTS, Mark COLLARD (Simon Fraser University, Canada)

Funding

Australian Research Council (Discovery grant)

Years

2023-2027

Summary

Complex projectile technologies (bows and spear-throwers) are one of the 'great leaps forward' in the evolution of human technology, yet their origins are unknown. It is thought that complex projectile technology spread out of Africa with Homo sapiens, but this hypothesis is untested. Recent research shows certain tip fractures and usewear/residues on stone points may be diagnostic of high-speed projectile impacts, facilitating identification of early complex projectiles. This project will use experiments and large-scale analytical work to advance understanding of the origins of complex projectiles.