A dart point in anthropology and archaeology refers to a stone projectile point designed for use with an atlatl (spear-thrower) rather than a bow and arrow. These points are part of the broader category of lithic technology and are key artifacts for understanding prehistoric hunting practices.
🌍 Definition
- Dart Point: A chipped stone tool hafted onto a wooden shaft (the dart) and launched with an atlatl.
- Distinction: Larger and heavier than arrow points, but smaller than hand-thrown spear points.
- Function: Used for hunting medium to large game, providing greater range and force than hand-thrown spears.
🔑 Characteristics
- Size: Typically 2–7 cm long, larger than arrowheads but lighter than spearheads.
- Shape: Often stemmed or notched for hafting; flaked edges for sharpness.
- Material: Made from flint, chert, obsidian, or other knappable stone.
- Technology: Produced by flintknapping, using percussion and pressure flaking.
- Chronology: Common in Paleoindian and Archaic periods before widespread bow-and-arrow adoption (~2,000 years ago in North America).
📚 Anthropological Significance
- Subsistence Strategies: Dart points reveal hunting practices and prey types.
- Cultural Traditions: Styles and forms vary by region, helping archaeologists identify cultural groups.
- Chronological Markers: Specific point types (e.g., Clovis, Folsom) are used to date archaeological sites.
- Technological Evolution: Show the transition from spear-throwers to bows and arrows.
🛠 Examples
- Clovis Points (c. 13,000 years ago): Large fluted dart points used by Paleoindians to hunt megafauna.
- Folsom Points (c. 10,000 years ago): Smaller, finely fluted dart points associated with bison hunting.
- Archaic Stemmed Points: Regional varieties across North America, adapted to local prey and environments.
- Mesoamerican Atlatl Darts: Used in both hunting and warfare, often tipped with obsidian points.
✨ Summary
A dart point is a stone projectile point designed for atlatl darts, bridging the technological gap between hand-thrown spears and arrows. They are crucial artifacts for reconstructing prehistoric hunting, subsistence, and cultural traditions.
