Several methods of differentiating arrow and dart points have been proposed based on the premise that dart points are larger than arrow points. The experimental research presented here was geared to testing the validity of the assumption that dart points must be large and arrow points smalL More precisely, this research examined the effect of the size of the point on the effzciency of the dart. The purpose of the research was to determine if the basic premise based on size is valid in terms of dartflUICtion. The results are applicable to determining prehistoric decision making in terms of the selection of ammunition.This paper is one of several related to on-going studies concerned with the atlatl and dart weapon system. Taken in total, the papers will address different components of the system. For each separate paper. one variable is examined while the rest of the system is held constantfor purposes of control. Dart variables, that also probably affect atlatl-dart efficiency which will be held constant here but will be examined in future studies include: shaft material, shaft length, shaft diameter, foreshaft material, foreshaft length, foreshaft diameter, foreshaftshape, fletching style, fletching material, fletching size, point mastic or lack thereof. weight of mastic, and type of mastic. A similar list could be generated for the atlatl. In this scientific manner we hope to eventually understand the contribution of each component to the overall atlatl-dart system. In this study, we explore the role of point size as it affects system efficiency with respect to distance. Although an efficient system can be described as one that delivers the projectile accurately with the least amount of effort, we are concerned with distance traveled.The purpose of this experimental study was to determine tf complete points, found in archaeological context but weighing less than 6.0 grams, were discarded because the reduced mass negatively affected the overall efficiency of the atlatldart system. According to Perkins (1992), the projectile point on a solid wood atlatl-dart shaft needed a weight of approximately 7 grams to function efficiently. Distance is considered by us to be an important attribute for proper functioning of the atlatl-dart system. The greater the distance between the hunter and the game, the better the chance of firing the weapon without being observed or sensed by the animal. Thus, distance and the ability to achieve greater distance would be criteria for judging one aspect of the effectiveness of the atlatl-dart system. An effective system is most likely an efficient system. Several people have discussed the differences between arrow points and dart points. For instance, Fenenga ( 1953) measured over 800 points and found that their weights fell into a bimodal distribution. He suggested that points with lighter weights (less than 3.49 grams) were used on 28 arrows and that bifaces with heavier weights (greater than 4.0 grams) were atlatl dart points, knives, and/ or thrusting spear points. Although Fenenga e...
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