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Atlatl use equalizes female and male projectile weapon velocity.

ABSTRACT: The atlatl is a handheld, rod-shaped device that employs leverage to launch a dart, and represents a major human technological innovation. 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. We tested this hypothesis via a systematic assessment of 2160 weapon launch events by 108 people who used both technologies. Our results show that, unlike the javelin, the atlatl equalizes the velocity of female- and male-launched projectiles. This result indicates that a javelin to atlatl transition would have promoted a unification, rather than division, of labor. Moreover, our results suggest that female and male interments with atlatl weaponry should be interpreted similarly.

SUBMITTER: Bebber MR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10432391 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Atlatl use equalizes female and male projectile weapon velocity.

Bebber Michelle R MR Buchanan Briggs B Eren Metin I MI Walker Robert S RS Zirkle Dexter D

Scientific reports 20230816 1

The atlatl is a handheld, rod-shaped device that employs leverage to launch a dart, and represents a major human technological innovation. 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. We tested this hypothesis via a systematic assessment of 2160 weapon launch events by 108 people who used bot ...[more]

PMID: 37587181

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