A schematic representation of evidence and methodology widely used for determining prehistoric projectile weaponry.

Strength of evidence increases from 1 (i.e. hafting) to 4. Larger ethnographic datasets and more experiments are still needed to test these indices further. Impact fractures considered diagnostic of projectiles do not distinguish between simple and complex projectiles; more work should explore this possibility. Methods depicted in 5 require adequate demonstration of applicability. In all approaches, the claim for projectile use should effectively eliminate potential use as thrusting spears, or even as hafted knives, barbed clubs, etc.