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Cited by 164Pleistocene-Era Hominins and ArchaeologyArchaeological and Geological StudiesArchaeology and ancient environmental studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 49 of the 49 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 2 of the 59 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Design and performance of microlith implemented projectiles during the Middle and the Late Epipaleolithic of the Levant: experimental and archaeological evidence

Open access
Yaroshevich, Alla, Kaufman, Daniel, Nuzhnyy, Dmitri, Bar-Yosef, Ofer, Weinstein-Evron, Mina·2010·Journal of Archaeological Science
DOI 10.1016/j.jas.2009.09.050
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Abstract

The study comprises an experimentally based investigation of interaction between temporal change in the morphology of microlithic tools and transformations in projectile technology during the Late Pleistocene in the Levant. Archery experiments with differently designed arrows fitted with various types of microliths representing subsequent Epipaleolithic cultures of the Levant allowed analyzing performance abilities of the arrows, identifying projectile damage types characteristic of particular hafting modes, detecting factors influencing the frequency of projectile damage and estimating the frequency of projectile damage expected to be found in archaeological samples. The data obtained through the experiments applied in the analysis of the archaeological microliths from Geometric Kebaran and Natufian sites in Israel indicate different approaches to the design of projectiles fitted with microliths characteristic for these cultures. The shift in design, associated with such important economic and social transformations as transition to sedentary settlements and a broad-spectrum economy, may reflect a demand for light, flexible and efficient projectile weapons requiring low time and labor investment for preparation and retooling. The use of such efficient weapons in conditions of growing population density and restricted areas available for Natufian hunter–gatherers can be considered as one of the factors that could have affected the subsequent transition to food production that took place in the early Holocene.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Archery experiments with 102 arrows and 265 microlith replicas show that Epipaleolithic projectile design affects penetration, durability, ricochet frequency, and diagnostic impact fractures. Comparing experimental damage with Geometric Kebaran trapeze/rectangles from Neve David and Natufian lunates from el-Wad Terrace suggests a shift from microliths used mainly as lateral elements to lunates hafted mainly as transversal/oblique tips.

Key findings

  • Arrow performance varied by design: oblique points averaged 23.0 cm penetration, transversal points 22.6 cm, and self-pointed arrows with lateral blades 22.5 cm; straight points averaged 15.0 cm, double oblique points 11.0 cm, the microgravette-plus-four-barb arrow 11.5 cm, and self-pointed arrows with twisted barbs 5.6 cm. Ricochets were most common among double oblique points (50%), followed by transversal points (22%), straight points (11.8%), and oblique points (8%).
  • Diagnostic projectile damage frequencies were highest for single straight points (53.8%) and transversal points (40%), while lateral blades showed only 12.5% diagnostic damage. Among barbs, Helwan lunates remained undamaged in 87% of cases, compared with 46% for lunates with abrupt retouch, 39% for trapeze/rectangles, 33% for Kebara points, and 25% for arch-backed bladelets.
  • Taphonomic analysis estimated that more than 40% of shot microliths would be lost in hunting; projectile damage expected in archaeological assemblages was estimated at 7.9–26.5%. Archaeological samples showed diagnostic projectile damage on 5.3% of Neve David trapeze/rectangles and medial parts and 8.4% of el-Wad Terrace lunates.
  • At Neve David, parallel fractures and fractures along a sharp edge dominated, suggesting trapeze/rectangles were hafted predominantly as side elements/lateral blades. At el-Wad Terrace, 23 of 25 damaged lunates had oblique/perpendicular fractures initiating on a sharp edge, suggesting transversal hafting at the tip, with two exceptions showing parallel fractures.

Methods

  • Experimental archery used 102 arrows incorporating 265 microlith replicas, shot by Dmitry Nuzhnyy with a recurved wooden sport bow of 17.5 kg power. The first session targeted a freshly killed unskinned female goat on Mount Carmel in December 2006 at 13 m, then 10 m, then 8 m; the second session targeted a skinned sheep thorax encased in cardboard at 5 m.
  • Macrofractures diagnostic of projectile impact were classified by initiation location and orientation relative to the microlith’s longitudinal axis; selected experimental and archaeological microliths were inspected with SEM for micro-fractures.
  • Archaeological analysis used all trapeze/rectangles from two 1 m² units at Geometric Kebaran Neve David (N=311, plus 85 medial parts) and all 299 lunates from two 1 m² units at Natufian el-Wad Terrace (182 Helwan, 117 abrupt retouch); three Neve David trapeze/rectangles and seven el-Wad lunates were examined by SEM.

Limitations

  • The paper states that samples of arrows with a particular design fitted with a particular microlith type were relatively small, precluding detailed statistical analyses; it also states that further experiments are needed on lunate durability, Final Natufian small lunates, desert Geometric Kebaran wide trapeze/rectangles, and lateral-blade fracture types, and that the suggested projectile-design shift requires confirmation from additional Geometric Kebaran and Early Natufian samples.
  • Evident from the text: the experiments used animal carcasses/thorax rather than live hunting, and the taphonomic estimate was based on the first session and all microliths without accounting for hafting mode, which the paper notes affects damage frequency.
  • Evident from the text: the archaeological comparison is limited to two sites and two 1 m² excavation units per site, so broader assemblage variability is not captured.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.jas.2009.09.050

Cites

49 of 49 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

2 of 59 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Findingown data

    Lunates with abrupt retouch and trapezes/rectangles hafted in the same mode showed considerably higher values of diagnostic and not diagnostic damage, when undamaged remained 46% and 39%, respectively.

    “Lunates with abrupt retouch and trapezes/rectangles hafted in the same mode showed considerably higher values of diagnostic and not diagnostic damage when undamaged remained 46% and 39%, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Some experimental microliths exhibited multiple fractures diagnostic of projectile impact.

    “Some of the microliths exhibited multiple fractures diagnostic of projectile impact.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the sample from el-Wad Terrace, 23 of 25 lunates possessing damage diagnostic of projectile impact exhibit oblique/perpendicular fractures initiating on a sharp edge (type b) oriented either perpendicularly or in sharp angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the microlith.

    “In the sample from el-Wad Terrace 23 of 25 lunates possessing damage diagnostic of projectile impact exhibit oblique/perpendicular fractures initiating on a sharp edge (type b) oriented either perpendicularly or in sharp angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the microlith”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Fractures along a sharp edge in conjunction with other types of oblique/perpendicular fractures (type d2m) occurred on a transversal point and on a lateral blade.

    “Fractures along a sharp edge in conjunction with other types of oblique/perpendicular fractures (type d2m) occurred on a transversal point (Fig. 5b:5) and on a lateral blade (Fig. 10a:c).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Linear micro-fractures were observed only on five of the eleven microliths chosen for SEM: two microgravettes hafted as straight points, one transversally hafted trapeze/rectangle, one Helwan lunate hafted as a double oblique point, and one trapeze/rectangle set as a lateral blade.

    “Linear micro-fractures were observed only on five of them, two microgravettes hafted as straight points (Fig. 7b), one transversally hafted trapeze/rectangle (Fig. 9b), one Helwan lunate hafted as a double oblique point (Fig. 8b) and one trapeze/rectangle set as a lateral blade (Fig. 10b,c).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 22
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 67
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Fractures initiating on a sharp edge were observed on lunates from Natufian sites.

    “Fractures initiating on a sharp edge were observed on lunates from Natufian sites (Valla, 1987;Marder et al., 2007;Valla et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Valla, 1987 source
    • cites Marder et al., 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Valla et al., 2007 source

      The available Abstract passage says the paper analyzes how Final Natufian lunates were shaped, but does not describe fractures initiating on a sharp edge. Searches for that fracture description and French equivalents returned no relevant passage from our copy, so the specific observation cannot be verified. (LLM, conf=0.70)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    While the penetrating ability of double oblique points is relatively less than other designs, it is still sufficient to cause a fatal wound, particularly if poison was applied.

    “At the same time, while their penetrating ability is relatively less than other designs it is still sufficient to cause a fatal wound, particularly if poison was applied (Clark, 1977).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Clark, 1977 source

      The discussion of traditional San arrow types (around p. 130) says that some bone-pointed arrows were poisoned, but does not identify double oblique points or assess their penetration or ability to cause fatal wounds. Searches for “double oblique,” penetration, and fatal wounds found no passage addressing that comparison. (LLM, conf=0.74)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Trapeze/rectangles and medial parts of backed microliths from Neve David exhibit a variety of fracture types, the most common being single parallel fractures initiating on a retouched edge removing only a tip (type a2) and fractures along a sharp edge (type b1), among them deep, prominent fractures with a clear oblique orientation, similar to fractures observed on experimental lateral blades.

    “Trapeze/rectangles and medial parts of backed microliths from Neve David exhibit a variety of fracture types, the most common being single parallel fractures initiating on a retouched edge removing only a tip (type a2, Fig. 11:3, 4) and fractures along a sharp edge (type b1), among them deep, prominent fractures with a clear oblique orientation, similar to fractures observed on experimental”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    When comparing trapeze/rectangles and lunates hafted as transversal points, differences in severity of damage were noted, although both types exhibited similar diagnostic fractures.

    “When comparing between trapeze/rectangles and lunates hafted as transversal points, differences in terms of severity of damage were noted, although both types of microliths exhibited similar diagnostic fractures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    In terms of penetrating abilities, oblique points (23.0 cm penetration depth), transversal points (22.6 cm), and self-pointed arrows with lateral blades (22.5 cm) yielded the highest values.

    “In terms of penetrating abilities, oblique points (23.0 cm penetration depth), transversal points (22.6 cm) and self-pointed arrows with lateral blades (22.5 cm) yielded the highest values.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    In the case of the trapeze/rectangle, the striations were oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the microlith, whereas on the lunate the striations were oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

    “In the case of the trapeze/rectangle (Fig. 12a) the striations were oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the microlith (Fig. 12a,b) whereas on the lunate the striations were oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the microlith (Fig. 13a,b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Considerable differences appear in the frequencies of projectile damage between microliths hafted in different modes, between microliths hafted in the same mode but in differently designed arrows, and between different types of microliths hafted in the same mode.

    “Considerable differences appear in the frequencies of projectile damage between microliths hafted in different modes, between microliths hafted in the same mode but in differently designed arrows and between different types of microliths hafted in the same mode.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Four microliths were recovered from the target without any macro-damage at all; two were hafted as transversal points, one as an oblique point, and one as a double oblique point.

    “Interestingly, four microliths were recovered from the target without any macro-damage at all.Two of them were hafted as transversal points, one as an oblique point and one as a double oblique point.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Projectile damage among microliths recovered from the target and from the arrows was observed on 7.9% and 18.6%, respectively.

    “Projectile damage among these two categories was observed on 7.9% and 18.6% of the microliths recovered from the target and the arrows, respectively”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Transversal points exhibited obliquely oriented striations, whereas the lunate hafted as a double oblique point exhibited striations oriented roughly parallel to its longitudinal axis.

    “However, transversal points exhibited obliquely oriented striations whereas the lunate hafted as a double oblique point exhibited striations oriented roughly parallel to its longitudinal axis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Damage diagnostic of projectile impact occurred on 5.3% of the microliths from the Geometric Kebaran site of Neve David and on 8.4% of the lunates from el-Wad Terrace.

    “Damage diagnostic of projectile impact occurred on 5.3% of the microliths from the Geometric Kebaran site of Neve David and on 8.4% of the lunates from el-Wad Terrace.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    The frequency of undamaged straight points was 41.9% in the second session and 7.7% in the first session.

    “The high frequency of undamaged straight points shot in the second session (41.9%) as opposed to 7.7% of undamaged straight points shot in the first session supports this explanation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The highest durability indices among arrows with microlithic tips occurred on double points and transversal points; mean numbers of shootings per arrow were 3.6 and 3.0, and mean numbers of target penetrations were 1.4 and 1.8, respectively.

    “The highest durability indices among arrows with microlithic tips occurred on double points and transversal points.The mean numbers of shootings per arrow (Index 1) were 3.6 and 3.0 and the mean numbers of target penetrations (Index 2) were 1.4 and 1.8 for double oblique points and transversal points, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    One lateral blade received a distinctively deep, obliquely oriented fracture which removed a considerable part of its sharp edge (type b1).

    “One of the lateral blades (Fig. 11a: g) received a distinctively deep, obliquely oriented fracture which removed a considerable part of its sharp edge (type b1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Transversal points are the most efficient in terms of penetrating depth and durability, but have a relatively high frequency of ricochets; oblique points show good penetration values and low frequency of ricochets, but appear to be less durable.

    “Transversal points are the most efficient in terms of penetrating depth and durability, but have a relatively high frequency of ricochets; oblique points show good penetration values and low frequency of ricochets, but appear to be less durable.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Straight points, double oblique points, and the arrow with a microgravette point and four oblique barbs averaged lower penetration depths of 15.0 cm, 11.0 cm, and 11.5 cm, respectively.

    “Much lower values averaging 15.0 cm, 11.0 cm and 11.5 cm showed straight points, double oblique points and the arrow with a microgravette point and four oblique barbs, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Cases of more severe damage for transversal points occurred among trapeze/rectangles, whereas minimal damage occurred on lunates.

    “In other words, cases of more severe damage for transversal points occurred among trapeze/rectangles, whereas minimal damage occurred on lunates.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Linear striations were observed on one of the three trapeze/rectangles and on one of the seven lunates observed through SEM.

    “Linear striations were observed on one of the three trapeze/rectangles and on one of the seven lunates observed through SEM.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Double oblique points are durable, but have a high frequency of ricochets and relatively low penetrating abilities.

    “Double oblique points are durable, but have a high frequency of ricochets and relatively low penetrating abilities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The angle of fractures relative to the longitudinal axis differs between the transversal point and the double oblique point: on the transversal point fractures are oriented perpendicularly or in sharp angle, whereas on the double oblique point they are oriented in a blunt angle.

    “However, the angle of the fractures relative to the longitudinal axis of the microlith differs in the two cases.On the transversal point the fractures are oriented perpendicularly or in sharp angle whereas on the double oblique point the fractures are oriented in a blunt angle.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The two exceptions with parallel fractures from el-Wad Terrace showed single fracture initiating on a surface (type a1), which is most characteristic for straight point, but occur on oblique points as well.

    “The two exceptions with parallel fractures showed single fracture initiating on a surface (type a1), which is most characteristic for straight point, but occur on oblique points as well.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Fractures oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the microlith are most common and occur on obliquely hafted points and barbs, on lateral blades, as well as on transversal points.

    “In terms of the angle of the oblique/perpendicular fractures, it appears that fractures oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the microlith are most common and occur on obliquely hafted points and barbs, on lateral blades, as well as on transversal points (Fig. 5b:3, 5, 6, 8; 10; Fig. 11a: g).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Ricochets were most common among double oblique points (50%), whereas straight and oblique points had ricochet frequencies of 11.8% and 8%, respectively.

    “Ricochets were most common among double oblique points (50%) whereas among straight and oblique points ricochets comprised 11.8% and 8% respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Self-pointed arrows also showed high durability: the arrow with lateral blades was shot three times with two penetrations, and arrows with twisted barbs were shot an average of 4.3 times with a mean target penetration of 2.0.

    “Selfpointed arrows also showed high values of durability.Thus, the arrow with lateral blades was shot three times, with two of them resulting in target penetration; the arrows with twisted barbs were shot in average of 4.3 times with a mean value of target penetration of 2.0.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Single straight points and oblique points showed lower durability: mean numbers of shootings were 2.6 and 2.2, and mean numbers of penetrations were 1.4 and 1.1, respectively.

    “Single straight points and oblique points showed considerably lower values with mean number of shootings of 2.6 and 2.2 and mean number of penetrations of 1.4 and 1.1 for straight and oblique points, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Self-pointed arrows with lateral blades appeared to be efficient in all the tested characteristics, whereas the arrows with tips composed of one or two microliths demonstrated contrasting attributes.

    “The self-pointed arrows with lateral blades appeared to be efficient in all the tested characteristics whereas the arrows with tips composed of one or two microliths demonstrated contrasting attributes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The frequency of projectile damage is influenced by the mode of hafting and the design of the arrow: single straight and transversal points resulted in the highest frequency of projectile damage, whereas the lowest frequency was observed among lateral blades.

    “The mode of hafting and the design of the arrow: single straight and transversal points resulted in the highest frequency of projectile damage whereas the lowest frequency was observed among lateral blades.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The samples analyzed in the study revealed differences in terms of the frequency of projectile damage in general, as well as in terms of the distribution of projectile fracture types.

    “The samples analyzed in the study revealed differences in terms of the frequency of projectile damage in general, as well as in terms of the distribution of projectile fracture types.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The lower value of the range (7.9%) represents the frequency of diagnostic damage among microliths recovered from the goat carcass, while the larger value (26.5%) is the frequency of microliths with projectile damage recovered from the carcass and from the arrows combined.

    “The lower value represents the frequency of diagnostic damage among microliths recovered from the goat carcass while the larger value is the frequency of microliths with projectile damage recovered from the carcass and from the arrows combined.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    The frequency of ricochets was high among double oblique points and low among straight and oblique points.

    “The high frequency of ricochets among double oblique points compared with the low frequency of ricochets among straight and oblique points supports this hypothesis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The frequency of projectile damage in the sample of lunates is considerably higher than among the trapezes/rectangles, but still relatively low, close to the minimal value indicated by the taphonomic analysis.

    “The frequency of projectile damage in the sample of lunates is considerably higher than among the trapezes/rectangles, but still is relatively low, close to the minimal value indicated by the taphonomic analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A sharper frontal angle and greater arrowhead width increase arrow efficiency in terms of penetration depth.

    “A sharper frontal angle and greater arrowhead width increase arrow efficiency in terms of penetration depth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The mean length of complete trapeze/rectangles from Neve David is 16.7 mm (SD=2.6), mean width is 4.8 mm (SD=0.6), and mean thickness is 1.8 mm (SD=0.4).

    “The mean length of complete trapeze/rectangles from Neve David is 16.7mm (SD=2.6),mean width is 4.8mm (SD=0.6)and mean thickness is 1.8mm (SD=0.4)(Yaroshevich, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Yaroshevich, 2006 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Oblique hafting increases the width of a projectile head while still keeping the angle of the frontal tip sharp, a combination which explains the high values of penetration depth for arrows with obliquely inserted microliths.

    “Oblique hafting increases the width of a projectile head while still keeping the angle of the frontal tip sharp, a combination which explains the high values of penetration depth for arrows with obliquely inserted microliths.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The difference in projectile damage frequency between straight points in the first and second sessions can be explained by different arrow designs: first-session straight points consisted of a single microlith and arrows were shot until the point was damaged or dislodged, whereas second-session straight points were inset into arrows that also held four barbs, and in many cases the arrow wasretired

    “This difference can be explained by different arrow designs as the straight points shot in the first session consisted of a single microlith and the arrows were shot until the point was damaged or dislodged.In the second group the straight points were inset into arrows which also held four barbs.In many of these cases the arrow was retired as a result of damaged or dislodged barb/s even though the”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Transversal hafting of a microlith at the tip produces a projectile head width equal to the microlith's length, which is the maximal width possible with use of a single microlith; this accounts for the greater values for penetration depth even though the design does not involve a pointed tip.

    “Transversal hafting of a microlith at the tip produces a projectile head width equal to the microlith's length, which is the maximal width possible with use of a single microlith.This accounts for the greater values for penetration depth even though the design does not involve a pointed tip.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Fractures initiating on a sharp edge were observed on experimental transversally hafted points, obliquely hafted points, and side elements such as lateral blades and barbs.

    “Fractures initiating on a sharp edge were observed on experimental transversally hafted points (Fisher et al., 1984;Nuzhnyy, 1990Nuzhnyy, , 1993;;Lombard and Pargetter, 2008); on obliquely hafted points (Nuzhnyy, 1990(Nuzhnyy, , 1993;;Lombard and Pargetter, 2008), as well as on side elements, i.e. lateral blades and barbs of the projectiles (Nuzhnyy, 1990(Nuzhnyy, , 1999;;Crombe et al., 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Fisher et al., 1984

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Nuzhnyy, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Lombard and Pargetter, 2008 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The average lengths, widths, and thicknesses of lunates with abrupt retouch from el-Wad Terrace are 16.9 mm (SD=4.4), 6.5 mm (SD=1.9), and 2.4 mm (SD=0.5).

    “For the lunates with abrupt retouch the average lengths, widths and thickness are 16.9mm (SD= 4.4), 6.5mm (SD=1.9)and 2.4mm (SD=0.5),respectively (Liber, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Liber, 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Both the lost and dislodged categories would be lost in a hunting situation.

    “Both these categories would be lost in a hunting situation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Frequencies of macro-damage on projectile tips vary from 32% to 41%.

    “while the frequencies of macro-damage on projectile tips vary from 32% (Crombe et al., 2001) to 41% (Fischer et al., 1984).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Crombe et al., 2001 source
    • cites Fischer et al., 1984 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The average lengths, widths, and thicknesses of Helwan lunates from el-Wad Terrace are 21.9 mm (SD=4.6), 8.1 mm (SD=1.4), and 2.9 mm (SD=0.7).

    “The average lengths, widths and thicknesses of Helwan lunates are 21.9mm (SD=4.6),8.1mm (SD=1.4) and 2.9mm (SD=0.7).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Liber, 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Two types of fractures can be recognized as diagnostic of projectile impact: step terminating bending fracture and spin-off.

    “Fisher et al., (1984) determined that two types of fractures can be recognized as diagnostic of projectile impact, i.e., fracture types that could not have been produced as a result of other activities or as a result of production accident or trampling.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fischer et al., 1984 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Micro-fractures indicating projectile impact on lunates from the Late Natufian of Mureybet and Abu Hureyra allowed interpretation of their use as transversally and obliquely hafted points and barbs.

    “Micro-fractures indicating projectile impact on lunates from the Late Natufian of Mureybet and Abu Hureyra allowed interpretation of their use as transversally and obliquely hafted points and barbs (Anderson-Gerfaud, 1983).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Anderson-Gerfaud, 1983

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Fractures diagnostic of projectile impact have been observed on microliths from a number of Levantine Epipaleolithic sites, and various hafting modes were suggested for different microlith types.

    “Fractures diagnostic of projectile impact have been observed on microliths from a number of Levantine Epipaleolithic sites and various hafting modes were suggested for different microlith types.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    The function as tips and lateral elements of projectiles was suggested for trapeze/rectangles from the Geometric Kebaran sites Ein Miri, Hefziba, and Neve David.

    “Thus, the function as tips and lateral elements of projectiles was suggested for the trapeze/rectangles from the Geometric Kebaran sites Ein Miri (Shimelmitz, et al., 2004), Hefziba and Neve David (Yaroshevich, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Shimelmitz, et al., 2004 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

    • cites Yaroshevich, 2006 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Fractures initiating on the retouched edge of a microlith are diagnostic of hafting the microlith as a straight point.

    “Fractures initiating on the retouched edge of the microlith were defined as diagnostic of hafting the microlith as a straight point (Nuzhnyy, 1990).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nuzhnyy, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    Self-pointed arrows with numerous lateral blades combine all the characteristics of efficient cutting projectiles, as attachment of lateral blades along both sides of the shaft increases the width of the projectile head and the long sharp edges formed by the lateral blades reduce friction, thus enhancing penetrating abilities.

    “Self pointed arrows with numerous lateral blades combine all the characteristics of efficient cutting projectiles as attachment of lateral blades along both sides of the shaft increases the width of the projectile head and the long sharp edges formed by the lateral blades reduce friction thus enhancing penetrating abilities (Friis-Hunsen, 1990).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Friis-Hunsen, 1990 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The use of efficient Natufian projectile weapons in conditions of growing population density and restricted areas available for Natufian hunter-gatherers can be considered as one of the factors that could have affected the subsequent transition to food production in the early Holocene.

    “for Natufian huntergatherers can be considered as one of the factors that could have affected the subsequent transition to food production that took place in the early Holocene.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The design of a projectile weapon may affect its performance characteristics.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    In order to produce a deep wound, the arrowhead must penetrate the hide as well as cut an opening wide enough to allow the shaft to enter with negligible friction.

    “In order to produce a deep wound the arrowhead must penetrate the hide as well as cut an opening which would be wide enough to allow the shaft to enter with negligible friction (Friis-Hunsen, 1990).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Friis-Hunsen, 1990 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The double breakage on the one barb fitted with arch-backed bladelet occurred due to the considerable length of the protruding part of the microlith.

    “This barb was fitted with arch-backed bladelet and we believe that the double breakage occurred due to the considerable length of the protruding part of the microlith.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Hafting a microlith as a straight point fixes the width of the projectile head equal to the width of the microlith, resulting in a relatively small opening that increases friction and does not allow deep penetration, notwithstanding the relatively sharp angle of the leading tip.

    “Hafting a microlith as a straight point fixes the width of the projectile head equal to the width of the microlith.As a result the opening produced by the arrowhead is relatively small which increases friction and does not allow deep penetration, notwithstanding the relatively sharp angle of the leading tip.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Recent use-wear analysis of Natufian lithic assemblages indicated transversal hafting for several lunates from Hayonim Cave and as barbs from Salibiya I.

    “Recent use-wear analysis of Natufian lithic assemblages indicated transversal hafting for several lunates from Hayonim Cave and as barbs from Salibiya I (Richhter, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Richhter, 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Based on obliquely oriented macro-fractures initiating on the sharp edges of lunates from the Final Natufian site of Eynan, it was suggested that they were hafted as oblique rather than transversal points.

    “Based on obliquely oriented macro-fractures initiating on the sharp edges of lunates from the Final Natufian site of Eynan (Ein Mallaha), it was suggested that they were hafted as oblique, rather than transversal points (Marder et al., 2007;Valla et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Marder et al., 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Valla et al., 2007 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In these cases the orientation of the micro-fractures is not consistent with the mode of microlith hafting, which probably indicates the movement of the microlith from its original position during impact.

    “In these cases the orientation of the micro-fractures is not consistent with the mode of microlith hafting which probably indicates the movement of the microlith from its original position during impact.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Obliquely oriented fractures on transversally hafted microliths and striations directed roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis on obliquely hafted microliths indicate movement of the microlith during impact.

    “However, obliquely oriented fractures on transversally hafted microliths and striations directed roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis on obliquely hafted microliths indicate movement of the microlith during impact.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Single straight points show higher values of projectile damage than arrows composed of straight points with additional barbs; this difference is connected to the frequent retirement of these arrows due to damage of the barbs.

    “Single straight points show higher values than arrows composed of straight points with additional barbs.This difference is connected to the frequent retirement of these arrows due to damage of the barbs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    The range 7.9-26.5% was calculated based on all the microliths used, without taking into account the mode of microlith hafting, which was shown to affect the frequency of projectile damage.

    “It should be remembered, however, that this range was calculated based on all the microliths used, without taking into account the mode of microlith hafting which was shown to affect the frequency of projectile damage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Extensive experimentally based research of the Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene microlithic assemblages in the Ukraine revealed a shift from the hafting of elongated backed microliths predominantly as side inserts to a variety of hafting modes for smaller geometric microliths, mostly on the tip of the projectile, including hafting as transversal points.

    “Extensive experimentally based research of the Late Pleistocene -Early Holocene microlithic assemblages in the Ukraine revealed a shift from the hafting of elongated backed microliths predominantly as side inserts to a variety of hafting modes for smaller geometric microliths, mostly on the tip of the projectile, including hafting as transversal points (Nuzhnyy, 1990(Nuzhnyy, , 1993)).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Nuzhnyy, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Nuzhnyy, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    The use of the bow and arrow fits the evidence for the broadening of the diet range during the Natufian because this type of weapon allows for extended trips required in a restricted area and can be used in the hunting of a wide variety of game.

    “The use of the bow and arrow also fits the evidence for the broadening of the diet range during the Natufian as this type of weapon allows for extended trips required in a restricted area and can be used in the hunting of a wide variety of game (Yu, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Yu, 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Straight points are particularly associated with multiple fractures at opposite ends, oriented one towards the other, as well as with multiple fractures on the same end that appear on the dorsal and ventral surfaces.

    “Straight points are particularly associated with multiple fractures at opposite ends, oriented one towards the other as well as with multiple fractures on the same end that appear on the dorsal and ventral surfaces.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Another consequence of reduced mobility which might directly affect projectile weapon technology is a change in the attitude to the ownership of territory in conditions of growing population density.

    “Another consequence of reduced mobility which might directly affect projectile weapon technology is a change in the attitude to the ownership of territory in conditions of growing population density.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Another example of projectile transformation associated with temporal change in microlithic variability was indicated based on an analysis of flint assemblages from the Boreal and the Atlantic sites in the Kamenice River Canyon of the Czech Republic.

    “Another example of projectile transformation associated with temporal change in microlithic variability was indicated based on an analysis of flint assemblages from the Boreal and the Atlantic sites in the Kamenice River Canyon of the Czech Republic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Svoboda et al., 2007

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    This shift in projectile design, generally similar to the dynamics revealed in the present study, was explained in terms of technological developments towards more efficient production of projectile heads.

    “This shift in projectile design, generally similar to the dynamics revealed in the present study, was explained in terms of technological developments towards more efficient production of projectile heads.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    The samples of arrows with a particular design fitted with a particular type of microlith were relatively small, which precludes detailed statistical analyses.

    “As a result, the samples of arrows with a particular design fitted with a particular type of microlith were relatively small which precludes detailed statistical analyses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Through use of a variety of designs, each of which has its own advantages in terms of performance, the Natufians could exploit the available resources in a more efficient way and thus sustain their large communities, as well as to protect their territory.

    “Through use of a variety of designs, each of which has its own advantages in terms of performance, the Natufians could exploit the available resources in a more efficient way and thus sustain their large communities, as well as to protect their territory.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The Natufian is characterized by a 'flexible' flint knapping technology and production of lunates on a variety of blanks.

    “This is in accordance with the”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Belfer-Cohen and Goring-Morris, 2002

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Delage, 2005 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Arrows with one or two microliths set as tips are easier to prepare, as the microlithic points can be hafted with minimal or no preparation of the distal part of the shaft; they are light and convenient to use and retooling is relatively simple.

    “In contrast, arrows with one or two microliths set as tips are easier to prepare as the microlithic points can be hafted with minimal or no preparation of the distal part of the shaft, they are light and convenient to use and retooling is relatively simple.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Our experiments have shown that arrow design affects its efficiency, as well as damage patterns in accordance with microlith morphology.

    “In sum, our experiments have shown that arrow design affects its efficiency, as well as damage patterns in accordance with microlith morphology.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The Geometric Kebaran knapping technique is highly homogeneous and oriented toward uniform bladelet production, which fills the need for a large series of standardized blanks.

    “Accordingly, the Geometric Kebaran knapping technique is highly homogeneous and oriented toward uniform bladelet production, which fills the need for a large series of standardized blanks (Yaroshevich, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Yaroshevich, 2006 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The retooling of self-pointed projectiles with multiple lateral blades would involve resharpening the point, as well as replacement of missing blades.

    “The retooling of such projectiles would involve resharpening the point, as well as replacement of missing blades.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the Levant, the transformation in projectile design is associated with the transition to sedentary settlements, a change which implies intensified use of resources within an area of several hours walking distance from the base site.

    “In the Levant the transformation in projectile design is associated with the transition to sedentary settlements-a change which implies intensified use of resources within an area of several hours walking distance from the base site.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    The use of flint points as tips of spears resulted in more prominent fractures in terms of their size and frequency than their use as arrowheads.

    “It has been indicated, however, that the use of flint points as tips of spears resulted in more prominent fractures in terms of their size and frequency than their use as arrowheads (Fischer et al., 1984).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fischer et al., 1984 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Oblique hafting can be identified by multiple fractures that initiate on the sharp edge of the microlith and remove its tip in a blunt angle or by the combination of parallel and oblique/perpendicular fractures on opposite ends of the microlith.

    “Oblique hafting can be identified by multiple fractures that initiate on the sharp edge of the microlith and remove its tip in a blunt angle or by the combination of parallel and oblique/perpendicular fractures on opposite ends of the microlith.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    The introduction of transversal arrowheads may indicate a hunting strategy based on tracking down animals because this kind of point forms a wound large enough to create a blood trail.

    “The introduction of transversal arrowheads may indicate a hunting strategy based on tracking down animals as this kind of point forms a wound large enough to create a blood trail (Clark, 1959).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Clark, 1959

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Archery experiments and analysis of a sample of microliths from an Early Mesolithic site in Belgium have shown that the Pre-Boreal to Boreal increase in the number of non-geometric microliths and reduced frequency and morphological diversity of geometric microliths reflect a shift to hafting microliths mostly as tips of the projectiles together with a reduction in the use of barbs.

    “Archery experiments and analysis of a sample of microliths from an Early Mesolithic site in Belgium have shown that the Pre-Boreal to Boreal increase in the number of non-geometric microliths and reduced frequency and morphological diversity of geometric microliths reflect a shift to hafting microliths mostly as tips of the projectiles together with a reduction in the use of barbs (Crombe et al.,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crombe et al., 2001 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The experiments have demonstrated that most types of single fractures diagnostic of projectile impact can occur on differently hafted microliths and cannot provide a reliable base for reconstructing mode of hafting.

    “The experiments have demonstrated that most types of single fractures diagnostic of projectile impact can occur on differently hafted microliths and cannot provide a reliable base for reconstructing mode of hafting.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Hafting as straight points leaves a considerable part of the microlith exposed upon impact, whereas hafting as double oblique and transversal points allows embedding most of the microlith's surface into the adhesive, leaving only the sharp edge exposed.

    “Hafting as straight points leaves a considerable part of the microlith exposed upon impact whereas hafting as double oblique and transversal points allows embedding most of the microlith's surface into the adhesive leaving only the sharp edge exposed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The high frequency of ricochets among double oblique points compared with straight and oblique points supports the hypothesis that the wide angle of their frontal tip explains their low penetrating abilities.

    “The high frequency of ricochets among double oblique points compared with the low frequency of ricochets among straight and oblique points supports this hypothesis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The rest of the shot microliths can be returned to the habitation site either inside the game or in the arrows.

    “The rest can be returned to the habitation site either inside the game or in the arrows.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Temporal changes in microlithic variability linked to transformations in projectile design have been indicated for the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic in Europe.

    “Temporal changes in microlithic variability linked to transformations in projectile design have been indicated for the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic in Europe.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    Self-pointed arrows with multiple lateral blades are heavier and more cumbersome to use.

    “In addition, these arrows are heavier and more cumbersome to use.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    In the Kamenice River Canyon, production of microlithic backed bladelets and triangles, hafted as straight points and probably as barbs, was replaced by blade-based production of trapezes hafted as transversal points.

    “Here production of microlithic backed bladelets and triangles, hafted as straight points and probably as barbs, was replaced by blade-based production of trapezes hafted as transversal points (Svoboda et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Svoboda et al., 2007

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The differences in the durability indices can be explained by differences in the location of the microlith on the shaft and by the extent of protrusion of the microlith from the adhesive.

    “The differences in the durability indices can be explained by differences in the location of the microlith on the shaft and by the extent of protrusion of the microlith from the adhesive.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    A single parallel fracture initiating on a retouched edge and crossing the microlith body is also characteristic mostly of straight points, although this type of damage may occasionally occur on long non-geometric microliths hafted as barbs as a result of removing the arrow from the target.

    “A single parallel fracture initiating on a retouched edge and crossing the microlith body is also characteristic mostly of straight points (see also Nuzhnyy, 1990Nuzhnyy, , 1993)), although this type of damage may occasionally occur on long non-geometric microliths hafted as barbs as a result of removing the arrow from the target.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Nuzhnyy, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Nuzhnyy, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Projectile weapons were in use in the Levant starting at least from the early Upper Paleolithic.

    “Projectile weapons were in use in the Levant starting at least from the early Upper Paleolithic (Bergman, and Newcomer, 1983;Shea, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bergman, and Newcomer, 1983
    • cites Shea, 2006 source
85 of 85

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Late Pleistocene flint assemblages in the Levant do not yield any type of symmetrical points, leaving microlithic tools as the only candidates to function as projectiles.

    “The Late Pleistocene flint assemblages in the Levant do not yield any type of symmetrical points leaving microlithic tools as the only candidates to function as projectiles.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The design of a projectile weapon may affect its performance characteristics.

    “The design of a projectile weapon may affect its performance characteristics.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Projectiles are usually used outside the settlement area, and only a portion of microliths used in hunting activity is expected to be brought back to the site.

    “Projectiles are usually used outside the settlement area.Only a portion of microliths used in hunting activity is expected to be brought back to the site either inside the game or still embedded in the projectile shaft.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Experimental studies with Levantine microliths have not been performed before.

    “Experimental studies with Levantine microliths have not been performed before.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The experimental fracture patterns produced by shooting microliths into a goat carcass are analogous to those produced in prehistoric hunting.

    “Based on the frequency of damage diagnostic of projectile impact among the microliths recovered from the target and from the arrows, and taking into consideration that in a real hunting situation damaged microliths embedded in the arrows could have been replaced, we suggest that projectile damage expected to be found in archaeological assemblages range between 7.9-26.5%.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The experimental sample of microliths and shooting sessions is representative of past projectile use and hafting variability.

    “The experiments have demonstrated that most types of single fractures diagnostic of projectile impact can occur on differently hafted microliths and cannot provide a reliable base for reconstructing mode of hafting.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The archaeological microliths with diagnostic fractures were used as projectiles and their fractures were caused by projectile impact.

    “Damage diagnostic of projectile impact occurred on 5.3% of the microliths from the Geometric Kebaran site of Neve David and on 8.4% of the lunates from el-Wad Terrace.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The taphonomic processes affecting microliths in the experiments are similar to those in prehistoric hunting and discard.

    “Our taphonomic analysis of microlithic implements has shown that more then 40% of shot microliths are expected to be lost in hunting activity.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The performance characteristics measured in the experiments (penetration depth, durability, ricochets) are relevant to prehistoric hunting effectiveness.

    “The analysis of efficiency of differently designed arrows showed a correlation between arrow design and performance characteristics.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The samples from el-Wad Terrace and Neve David are representative of Natufian and Geometric Kebaran microlith assemblages, respectively.

    “Table 7 : Frequencies of diagnostic and non-diagnostic fractures and undamaged microliths in the samples from Geometric Kebaran Neve David and Natufian el-Wad Terrace.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The experimental arrows with microliths accurately represent the actual projectiles used in the Epipaleolithic.

    “Our study was based on experiments intended to represent a wide range of projectile designs and types of microliths.”
11 of 11

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • el-Wad diagnostic lunates are assigned to different types in Tables 7 and 8

    Minor

    Table 7 reports diagnostic damage on 15 Helwan and 10 abrupt-retouch lunates; Table 8 instead labels 14 Helwan and 11 abrupt lunates. Both give 25 overall, but the type-specific counts disagree.

  • Second-session total is labelled with the whole-study count

    Minor

    A row labelled "Total second session" gives 265 microliths, while the paper states that 265 is the total number prepared for the study and separately lists 102 for the first session.

  • Straight-point penetration index does not match the table counts

    Minor

    Index 2 is defined as target penetrations divided by arrows. Table 1 gives 15 penetrations for 12 straight-point arrows, yielding 1.25, not the reported 1.4.

    Reported 1.4 · recomputed 1.25

  • Neve David diagnostic-fracture counts differ between tables

    Minor

    Table 7 reports five diagnostic medial parts and 21 diagnostic microliths in total, whereas Table 8 labels six medial parts and 22 in total.

4 of 4

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Bar-Yosef, O., 1970. The Epi-Palaeolithic Cultures of Palestine. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Hebrew University, Jerusalem.
  2. Gvosdover, 1952, A composite point from the Paleolithic site of Talitskij, Scientific Notes of Moscow State University, 158, 207
  3. Kaufman, 1987, Excavations at the Geometric Kebaran site of Neve David, Israel: a preliminary report, Quartar, 37–38, 1989
  4. Liber, N., 2006. The Natufian stratigraphy of El-Wad terrace as seen through a techno-typological analysis of the lunates. Unpublished MA thesis, University of Haifa (in Hebrew).
  5. Marder, 2007, Reconstructing microlith shaping: archaeological and experimental observations on Early and Final Natufian lunates at Einan (Ein Mallaha), Israel, Eurasian Prehistory, 4, 99
  6. Nuzhnyy, D., 1990. Projectile damage on Upper Paleolithic microliths and the use of bow and arrow among Pleistocene hunters in the Ukraine. The interpretative possibilities of microwear studies. In: Proceedings of the International Conference of Lithic Use-Wear Analysis, 15–17th February 1989 in Uppsala, Sweden. AUN 14, Uppsala, pp. 113–124.
  7. Nuzhnyy, 1993, Projectile weapons and technical progress in the Stone Age, Traces et Function: les Gestes Retrouves Colloque International de Liege Editions ERAUL, 50, 11
  8. Nuzhnyy, 1998, The preliminary results of experiments with Aurignacian split based points production, hafting and usage, Préhistoire Européenne, 13, 117
  9. Nuzhnyy, 1999, Microlithic projectile weapons of the Late Palaeolithic and Mesolithic hunters of the Crimea, Archeologija, 1, 5
  10. Peterson, 1951, Mikrolithen als Pfeilspitzen. Ein Fund aus dem Lille Loshult Moor Ksp. Loshult, Skane, Meddelanden frn Lunds Universitets Historiska Museum, 4, 123

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Metadata

Authors
Yaroshevich, A., Kaufman, D., Nuzhnyy, D., Bar-Yosef, O., & Weinstein-Evron, M.
Affiliations
  • Israel Antiquities Authority (IL)
  • University of Haifa (IL)
  • National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (UA)
Corresponding author
Yaroshevich, Alla
Venue
Journal of Archaeological Science
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2010-02
Volume
37
Issue
2
Pages
368-388
ISSN
0305-4403 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jas.2009.09.050
OpenAlex
W2103814391
Cited by
164
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 8
FWCI
17.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Archaeological Science (publishedVersion)
  • Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) (Harvard University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Archaeological and Geological Studies
  • Social Sciences › Archeology › Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
Keywords
microliths, projectile technology, Epipaleolithic, Levant, Natufian, hafting, experimental archaeology, transition to agriculture, hunter-gatherers, Late Pleistocene

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-08, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).

A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-08 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).

Cited sources are checked with a language model’s help (gpt-6-sol).

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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