Composite Projectiles in the Hamburgian Facies of the Final Magdalenian – Technological, Experimental and Macro-wear Study of their Flint, Antler, and Adhesive Components

Abstract

In continuation of former studies proving the functionality of Kerbnadeln as fore shafts for Hamburgian shouldered points, the presented work aims at elucidating specific aspects of this way of use and at providing data for testing whether the prehistoric artefacts could have served in this way. To reach these goals, a shooting experiment with 18 fore shaft-point combinations was carried out employing different projectile systems (arrows / spears) and hafting methods (birch barktar / sinew) that may have been used by Hamburgian hunter-gatherers.
The comparison of the macro-wear traces appearing on the replicas with those observed on the archaeological finds shows comparable patterns for both the shouldered points and the fore shafts. More importantly, the atypical macro-wear on fore shaft SH1935-5.218 from Stellmoor was replicated. Arguments for interpreting this pattern as a fore shaft specific use-wear pattern are presented. In conclusion, the hypothesis that the antler artefacts in question were used as intermediate parts between points and main shafts is further supported by the new evidence and we therefore argue for calling them (Hamburgian) fore shafts. In addition, the analysis of the material properties of the used birch bark tar showed that it was well adapted to its hafting purpose but difficult to produce with constant properties.