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Beyond Stone: Organic Alternatives for Atlatl Dart Points Among the Classic Maya

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Beyond Stone: Organic Alternatives for Atlatl Dart Points Among the Classic Maya Beyond Stone: Organic Alternatives for Atlatl Dart Points Among the Classic Maya by Spencer Foster, B.A. A Thesis In Anthropology Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS Approved Dr. Brett A. Houk Chair of Committee Dr. Tamra Walter Dr. Christopher Witmore Mark Sheridan Dean of the Graduate School August, 2020 Copyright 2020, Spencer Foster Texas Tech University, Spencer Foster, August 2020 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would not have been able to complete this thesis without the help and support of so many amazing individuals. I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude towards my graduate mentor and committee chair, Dr. Brett Houk, who was quick to share advice and assistance whenever I needed it. My committee members, Dr. Tamra Walter and Dr. Christopher Witmore provided unique and valuable input on my research and guided me into areas of study that I had never thought of previously. During my undergraduate years, Dr. Fred Valdez provided a tremendous amount of insight on the lithics of the Maya region which would later inspire me to pursue this thesis topic. I also appreciate the support and kindness shown to me by Sharon Hankins, the lab director at the Programme for Belize Archaeological Project field lab, who allowed me access to the many artifacts of the lab. Finally, I want to thank my wife for her outstanding patience and moral support as I threw atlatl darts at a hay bale in our backyard for the better part of two years. ii Texas Tech University, Spencer Foster, August 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................ ii ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ vi LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ vii I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 II. BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................... 6 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 6 Overview of the Atlatl .................................................................................................... 6 Form and Function ..................................................................................................... 6 Comparison with the Bow-and-Arrow ....................................................................... 8 Advantages and Disadvantages Compared to Other Projectile Weapons .................. 9 Global History .......................................................................................................... 12 The Atlatl in the Maya Region ..................................................................................... 13 Early Evidence of the Atlatl ..................................................................................... 13 Maya Iconography ................................................................................................... 15 Prevalence and Use .................................................................................................. 24 Status and Gender .................................................................................................... 27 Introduction of the Bow-and-Arrow ........................................................................ 28 Extant Artifacts ........................................................................................................ 29 Evidence for Usage of Organic Projectile Points ......................................................... 32 Archaeological Evidence ......................................................................................... 32 Examples from Classic Period Art ........................................................................... 33 Historical and Ethnographic Accounts ..................................................................... 34 Personal Interview .................................................................................................... 36 Summary .................................................................................................................. 37 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 37 III. THEORETICAL APPROACH ............................................................................... 38 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 38 Experimental Archaeology ........................................................................................... 38 Introduction and Origins .......................................................................................... 38 Experimental Archaeology vs. Reenactment ........................................................... 44 Physical and Mental Limitations .............................................................................. 44 Advantages ............................................................................................................... 47 Previous Experimental Archaeology Research Related to Organic Projectile Points .. 48 iii Texas Tech University, Spencer Foster, August 2020 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 50 IV. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD ................................................................. 52 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 52 Construction and Materials ........................................................................................... 53 Thrower, Dart, and Points ........................................................................................ 53 Toxins ....................................................................................................................... 62 Range and Target ..................................................................................................... 63 Test Parameters and Measurements .............................................................................. 65 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 67 V. EXPERIMENT RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ..................................................... 68 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 68 Results ........................................................................................................................... 68 Penetration ................................................................................................................ 68 Damage Explained ................................................................................................... 69 Damage by Material ................................................................................................. 69 Durability ................................................................................................................. 73 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 78 Bone and Hardwood ................................................................................................. 78 Bamboo .................................................................................................................... 80 Chert ......................................................................................................................... 80 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 81 Archaeological, Artistic, Historic, or Iconographic Evidence ................................. 82 Hunting ..................................................................................................................... 82 Warfare ..................................................................................................................... 83 Toxins ....................................................................................................................... 84 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 84 VI. CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 85 Review .......................................................................................................................... 85 Additional Questions and Research .............................................................................. 87 Armor ....................................................................................................................... 87 Aquatic Prey ............................................................................................................. 87 Toxins ......................................................................................................................
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