Projectiles and the abuse of the use-wear method in a search for impact

Projectiles have enjoyed a lot of attention over the last few years as an indication of the existence of hafted hunting technology and as one of the arguments in discussions on complex human behaviour. More and more frequently, the identification of projectile points is based on a limited range of macro-fractures, despite the diversity and variability in wear features from projectile use. Such a methodological simplification does not support the wide-ranging interpretations often proposed. We address the many difficulties involved in reliably identifying projectiles and we suggest how these should preferably be dealt with.

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