Functional perspectives on the lithic projactil. The projactil points from Gobero: wear traces and sperimentation

This study presents a ballistic and functional evaluation of the projectile points from sites G1 and G3 at Gobero through experimentation and use-wear analysis. This kind of approach, which is often combined with more traditional typological analyses, has been successfully carried out in many archaeological studies related to lithic industries. In particular, experimentation and use-wear analysis allow the interpretation of the ballistic features of the projectile points, their functional potential, and some of the hunting tactics adopted by prehistoric communities.This study on the Gobero sample shows that different morphologies of arrowheads have the same functional potential. On the other hand, they have a different durability according to the raw materials of which they are made. Our experimentation demonstrated that fossil wood and quartz arrowheads are fragile; conversely, chert and (green) vitric tuff have a high degree of resistance, which reduces the fragmentation of the arrowheads and, thus, extends their functional life. Moreover, the experimental analysis indicated that the arrows from Gobero could not produce severe injuries. To enhance the wounding potential of these items, poison had to be added to the point or more lithic elements had to be inserted in the haft. The presence of geometric tools at Gobero could support this hypothesis