Spear thrower weapon use by prehistoric females equalized the division of labor while hunting

[Judi Lynn]

Date:
August 18, 2023
Source:
Kent State University
Summary:
A new study has demonstrated that the atlatl (i.e. spear thrower) functions as an 'equalizer', a finding which supports women's potential active role as prehistoric hunters.

A new study led by Archaeologist Michelle Bebber, Ph.D., an assistant professor in Kent State University's Department of Anthropology, has demonstrated that the atlatl (i.e. spear thrower) functions as an "equalizer," a finding which supports women's potential active role as prehistoric hunters.

Bebber co-authored an article "Atlatl use equalizes female and male projectile weapon velocity" which was published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports. Her co-authors include Metin I. Eren and Dexter Zirkle (a recent Ph.D. graduate) also in the Department of Anthropology at Kent State, Briggs Buchanan of University of Tulsa, and Robert Walker of the University of Missouri.

The atlatl is a handheld, rod-shaped device that employs leverage to launch a dart, and represents a major human technological innovation used in hunting and warfare since the Stone Age. The first javelins are at least hundreds of thousands of years old; the first atlatls are likely at least tens of thousands of years old.

"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," Bebber said.

More:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230818135146.htm