The functionality of Palmela Points as throwing weapons and projectiles: use-wear marks
- Carmen Gutiérrez Sáez
- Ignacio Martín Lerma 1
- Alba López del Estal
- Charles Bashore Acero
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1
Universidad de Murcia
info
- João Marreiros (ed. lit.)
- Nuno Bicho (ed. lit.)
- Juan F. Gibaja (ed. lit.)
Éditorial: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
ISBN: 1-4438-6816-7
Année de publication: 2014
Pages: 442-456
Congreso: International Conference on Use-Wear Analysis : Use-Wear 2012 : held at the University of Algarve, Faro, October 10, 11 and 12th 2012
Type: Communication dans un congrès
Résumé
This paper will give an account of an experimental program involving 33 copper and bronze Palmela points, used as arrow, spear and javelin heads. Experiments were carried out using a dead sheep, and also included distance and ballistic testing. In a large number of cases the marks resulting from the use of Palmela points as throwing weapons (javelin, spears) and projectiles (arrows) can be identified by use-wear analysis. Diagnostic use marks show a wide distribution on the points, being particularly relevant and abundant on the distal apex, which is the main impact zone. The study of such marks, which include a wide range of deformations, not always perceptible to the naked eye, requires the use of a stereomicroscope.