An Introduction to the Experimental Study of Prehistoric Projectile Points

International audienceThe experimental study of prehistoric projectile points has been an active field of research over the last forty years. This contribution is an introduction to the discipline and presents an overview of its main issues, methods and results. Experimental protocols are routinely designed to address a particular archaeological question. This normally involves the reconstitution of a prehistoric delivery system, which can be done either in "replicative" or "controlled" conditions, both approaches presenting advantages and drawbacks. The main goals of projectile experiments are fourfold: determining whether certain artefacts are projectile weapons based on the identification of diagnostic traces of projectile impact; reconstructing their hafting arrangement, identifying the propulsion system, with a special emphasis on the appearance of the spear-thrower and bow; and assessing the performance of different types of weapon tips in terms of efficiency, solidity and maintenance. Future projectile research should include increased feedback between "replicative" and "controlled" experiments and more frequent meta-analyses, both of which require more standardised data collection and publication