Arrowheads of the Shan-Koba culture in Crimea

Abstract

The aim of our research was to single out projectile implements basing on results of complex use-wear analysis of artefacts from two sites of the Shan-Koba culture – the bottom layer of Zamil’-Koba 1 and layer III of Alimovski Naves. The first one belongs to the early stage of the culture, and the second – to its later phase. Comparison of our results with available experimental data, and analysis of the environment and faunal assemblages of the sites made possible to define hunting weapons and outline hunting strategies of the population of the Shan-Koba culture. Bow and arrows was the main hunting weapon. Transverse arrowheads played leading role while the share of oblique arrowheads decreased from early to late phases of this culture. Stabbing arrowheads and composite projectiles were known but played insignificant role.