Citation

Bebber MR, Buchanan B, Eren MI, Walker RS, Zirkle D. Sci. Rep. 2023; 13(1): e13349.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1038/s41598-023-40451-8

PMID

37587181

Abstract

The atlatl is a handheld, rod-shaped device that employs leverage to launch a dart, and represents a major human technological innovation. One hypothesis for forager atlatl adoption over its presumed predecessor, the thrown javelin, is that a diverse array of people could achieve equal performance results, thereby facilitating inclusive participation of more people in hunting activities. We tested this hypothesis via a systematic assessment of 2160 weapon launch events by 108 people who used both technologies. Our results show that, unlike the javelin, the atlatl equalizes the velocity of female- and male-launched projectiles. This result indicates that a javelin to atlatl transition would have promoted a unification, rather than division, of labor. Moreover, our results suggest that female and male interments with atlatl weaponry should be interpreted similarly.

Language: en