Finding your strong points: exploring the design and resilience of barbed composite weapons

Abstract

Laterally hafted projectiles have long been of interest in archaeology. While evidence of composite tools with organic shafts and stone barbs appears in Europe as early as the Gravettian, some scholars trace their origins to the early Upper Paleolithic, particularly with Protoaurignacian bladelets. However, the identification of lateral stone elements remains methodologically challenging, and a comprehensive interpretative framework is still under development. Experiments on lateral projectiles focus on diverse research objectives and protocols vary, complicating consensus on the identification of lateral insets, especially in the absence of their organic counterparts. In most experiments, the fragility of lateral hafting systems often leads to detachment of insets upon impact, preventing the formation of characteristic wear and complicating diagnostic analysis. This paper seeks to advance the understanding of lateral hafting systems by investigating their resilience and damage patterns through experimental studies, testing different adhesives, evaluating the role of grooves, and documenting the resulting impact-related wear. The results will help ensure the success of future experimental programs tailored to specific archaeological examples and serve as an additional step in developing a robust reference framework for identifying barbs based on wear traces and macrofractures.