The effect of edge serration on the performance of stone-tip projectiles: an experimental case study of the Maros Point from Holocene South Sulawesi

Abstract

Serrated stone points have been documented in a variety of archaeological settings worldwide. In Indonesia, serrated points known as Maros point began to appear during the mid-Holocene as part of the Toalean techno-complex in southern South Sulawesi. Researchers have speculated functional and cultural reason behind the emergence of these distinctive artefact as projectile points, an assumption that has yet to be verified by archaeological data. In particular, the edge serration has been suggested to allow for deeper penetration and/or act as barbs to prevent the easy withdrawal of the points from the target. In this study, we experimentally test these functional hypotheses regarding the effect of edge serration on stone arrowheads resembling Maros points when fired using different bow draw weights. We also investigate variation in breakage and impact fracture pattern between serrated and non-serrated points. Our result show that, compared to the non-serrated points, the serrated arrows not only deliver deeper penetrations, but also require less force to withdraw from the ballistic gel target. However, these relationships are complicated by the inclusion of skin and bone in the ballistic target. The findings demonstrate that the effect of serrated stone points on projectile performance depends on factors such as the projectile delivery system and prey type. Moreover, under identical firing settings, the serrated points develop more variable macrofracture patterns than the non-serrated points, likely owing the irregular edge morphologies. Taking these results together, we discuss the implications of our experimental study on the appearance of Maros points and the Toalean techno-complex in South Sulawesi during the mid-Holocene.

Static penetration assessment of stone weapon tip geometry metrics and comparison of static and dynamic penetration depths

“…While many factors may have governed the efficacy of projectile penetration, archaeologists largely focus their efforts on understanding the effect of variations in stone weapon tips (SWTs) because, excluding exceptional preservation circumstances, these specimens are often the only part of the weapon system that survive in the archaeological record (e.g., Eren, Bebber, et al, 2022; Ferdianto et al, 2022; Lombard, 2021; Newman & Moore, 2013; Shea, 2006; Vierra & Heilen, 2020; Wood & Fitzhugh, 2018; cf. Lombard, 2020; Milks, 2018, 2020).…”

Comparison of four ballistic and thrusting target materials: An experimental and Bayesian approach using static testing of stone and steel arrow tips

“…Researchers use a variety of target materials, and sometimes combinations of materials, in their archaeological experiments to examine thrust‐spear or projectile penetration, impact angle, durability, and other issues involving prehistoric hunting weaponry (e.g. Eren, Meltzer, et al, 2021:5–7; see also Buchanan et al, 2022; Chen et al, 2022; Cheshier & Kelly, 2006; Clarkson, 2016; Coppe et al, 2019, 2022; Coppe & Rots, 2017; Ferdianto et al, 2022; Grady & Churchill, 2023; Holmberg, 1994; Iovita et al, 2014, 2016; Loendorf et al, 2018, 2019; Lombard & Pargeter, 2008; Milks, 2018; Milks et al, 2016, 2019; Neill et al, 2022; Odell & Cowan, 1986; Pargeter, 2007; Pétillon & Cattelain, 2022; Schoville et al, 2017; Shea et al, 2001; Sisk & Shea, 2009; Smallwood, 2015; Waguespack et al, 2009; Whittaker et al, 2017; Wilkins et al, 2012; Wood & Fitzhugh, 2018). There are many potential reasons why an experimental design will employ one type of target material over another: cost, availability, replicability, acquisition of a desired sample size, necessity to answer a particular question or record specific data, consideration of internal versus external validity, safety, preconceived bias, and ethics (Eren et al, 2016; Li et al, 2022; Lin et al, 2018; Lycett & Chauhan, 2010; Outram, 2008).…”

Malacofauna from Cappa Lombo Site: Environmental Reconstruction and Subsistence Strategies of The Bontocani Highland Karst Region, South Sulawesi

“…This evolution encompassed the development of items like Maros points and backed artifacts, featuring geometric microliths and backed blades, alongside certain incised stone artifacts (Suryatman I. 2021;Ferdianto et al 2022). Bone points, encompassing both monopoints and bipoints, experienced a similar progression.…”

“…However, the identification of malacofauna from the Cappa Lombo site is still considered very limited. The discovery of mollusk shells as one of the comparative data for environmental identification has never been comprehensively studied, whereas more comprehensive studies have been conducted on stone artifacts, rock arts, remains of vertebrate fauna, and human skeletal remains (Mulyadi 2016;Fakhri 2018;Saiful 2018;Fakhri et al 2021;Suryatman et al 2021Suryatman et al , 2022Ferdianto et al 2022). However, mollusks can also serve as proxy evidence for vegetation structure, indicating factors such as shading, ground cover, humidity, the presence of forests or open land, leaf litter, and more (Allen 2017).…”