Eurasisch knöcherne Jagdwaffen der frühneuzeitlichen Menschen

Theoretical framework
The research project proposes a multidisciplinary approach to analyse one of the most significant innovations of Eurasian early anatomically modern humans (AMH): the use of a complex projectile technology manufactured from animal raw material and its potential role in AMH’s successful colonisation of Eurasia. The emergence of complex projectiles propelled by mechanical aids is a phenomenon which is critical to assess the appearance of symbolically mediated behaviour (SMB), subsistence aspects and dispersals of AMH out of Africa. However, at present it is poorly understood as research on the Early Upper Palaeolithic (EUP) (c. 45,000-30,000 years ago) has mainly focused on chronology and lithic technology. Osseous artefacts were most intensely studied when in the context of symbolism and less in the related with hunting technologies, although complex projectile technology is also assumed to be a critical proxy to assess SMB.
Objectives
The main aim of the project is to build an inferential model on the role played by osseous projectile technology in the adaptative success of the AMH in Eurasia at the EUP by combining data of the following specific goals: (1) To characterise the technology of EUP osseous hunting weapons in Eurasia; (2) To identify the raw material (bone/antler) and the animal species exploited to fabricate them; and (3) To refine the chrono-cultural context of the emergence of complex hunting weapon technology.
Methods
This study will be comprehensive, and it will not only add to the current body of data but also provide a novel robust inferential model that is based on the integration of archaeological methods (technology, use-wear); palaeogenetics (aDNA: ancient DNA); palaeoproteomics (ZooMS: Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry); and radiocarbon chronology. The proposed methodological approach will be based upon typology, technology, raw material identification and utilisation, species selection, and direct radiocarbon dating by using the dateable, typologically defined osseous projectiles. We plan to analyse a wide suite of samples from a range of archaeological sites from 3 Eurasian regions critical to AMH dispersal (Central Europe, the Near East, & the Caucasus).
Level of originality & innovation
The proposed combination of different interdisciplinary state-of-the-art methods applied to the osseous UP hunting weapons is original and innovative. Archaeological evidence from bone material is often studied with a focus on a single parameter; namely typological, technological or use-wear approaches. Some recent attempts on combining archaeological, aDNA and ZooMS methods to analyse bone tools have demonstrated the possibilities of such a synergy providing us with valuable data on osseous technologies.
Primary researchers involved
The project will be led by Dr J.-M. Tejero in collaboration with Prof R. Pinhasi. They will also interact with various experts from Israel, UK & Georgia.