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Shape Variation in Aterian Tanged Tools and the Origins of Projectile Technology: A Morphometric Perspective on Stone Tool Function

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  • Radu Iovita

Abstract

Background: Recent findings suggest that the North African Middle Stone Age technocomplex known as the Aterian is both much older than previously assumed, and certainly associated with fossils exhibiting anatomically modern human morphology and behavior. The Aterian is defined by the presence of ‘tanged’ or ‘stemmed’ tools, which have been widely assumed to be among the earliest projectile weapon tips. The present study systematically investigates morphological variation in a large sample of Aterian tools to test the hypothesis that these tools were hafted and/or used as projectile weapons. Methodology/Principal Findings: Both classical morphometrics and Elliptical Fourier Analysis of tool outlines are used to show that the shape variation in the sample exhibits size-dependent patterns consistent with a reduction of the tools from the tip down, with the tang remaining intact. Additionally, the process of reduction led to increasing side-to-side asymmetries as the tools got smaller. Finally, a comparison of shape-change trajectories between Aterian tools and Late Paleolithic arrowheads from the North German site of Stellmoor reveal significant differences in terms of the amount and location of the variation. Conclusions/Significance: The patterns of size-dependent shape variation strongly support the functional hypothesis of Aterian tools as hafted knives or scrapers with alternating active edges, rather than as weapon tips. Nevertheless, the same morphological patterns are interpreted as one of the earliest evidences for a hafting modification, and for the successful combination of different raw materials (haft and stone tip) into one implement, in itself an important achievement in the evolution of hominin technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Radu Iovita, 2011. "Shape Variation in Aterian Tanged Tools and the Origins of Projectile Technology: A Morphometric Perspective on Stone Tool Function," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(12), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0029029
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029029
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    1. Paul Mellars, 2004. "Neanderthals and the modern human colonization of Europe," Nature, Nature, vol. 432(7016), pages 461-465, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Radu Iovita & Inbal Tuvi-Arad & Marie-Hélène Moncel & Jackie Despriée & Pierre Voinchet & Jean-Jacques Bahain, 2017. "High handaxe symmetry at the beginning of the European Acheulian: The data from la Noira (France) in context," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(5), pages 1-25, May.
    2. M Gema Chacón & Florent Détroit & Aude Coudenneau & Marie-Hélène Moncel, 2016. "Morphometric Assessment of Convergent Tool Technology and Function during the Early Middle Palaeolithic: The Case of Payre, France," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-20, May.
    3. Will Archer & Philipp Gunz & Karen L van Niekerk & Christopher S Henshilwood & Shannon P McPherron, 2015. "Diachronic Change within the Still Bay at Blombos Cave, South Africa," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(7), pages 1-25, July.

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