Hunting weapons of the Middle Stone Age and the Middle Palaeolithic: spear points from Sibudu, Rose Cottage and Bouheben

摘要: This paper compares Middle Stone Age points from two South African sites, Sibudu and Rose Cottage, with Bouheben, a Palaeolithic/Final Acheulian site in SW France. The unifacial bifacial points, post-Howiesons Poort assemblages dated between 60 37 ka, have been previously identified as spear points; their diagnosis is strongly supported by both morphometric impact fracture analyses. Our shows: a) that the Cottage Mousterian Bouheben can also be interpreted hand-delivered tips; b) range of throwing spears has underestimated, c) there no reason to restrict interpretation early hunting behaviour placing prey disadvantaged position killing at close quarters. We review recent research on appearance long-range projectile technology Africa Europe provide support statements John Shea strong evidence use spearthrower dart tips arrowheads occurs only sites younger than 50-40 ka.To cite this article: Villa, P. & Lenoir, M. 2006. Hunting weapons Palaeolithic: Sibudu, Bouheben. Southern Humanities 18 (1): 89-122.