An iconic spear-throwing device likely wasn't used by prehistoric hunters until around 10,000 years ago
New research challenges the timeline of a key hunting tool used by prehistoric North American hunters
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The brief
Recent archaeological findings suggest that the atlatl, a spear-throwing device, was not used by prehistoric hunters in North America until around 10,000 years ago. This contradicts previous assumptions about the tool's use in the Clovis culture, which dates back to around 13,000 years ago. Coverage from Popular Archeology, IFLScience, Gizmodo, Yahoo, and Phys.org emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting the atlatl's earlier use.
The reports highlight the ongoing debate among archaeologists regarding the tools and technologies employed by early North American hunters. The emergence of this new information has sparked discussions about the timeline of technological advancements in prehistoric North America. Researchers are now focusing on re-evaluating existing evidence and conducting further studies to better understand the development of hunting technologies.
The next steps involve more detailed archaeological excavations and analyses to confirm these findings and provide a clearer picture of prehistoric hunting practices.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1h ago.
Quick answers
What is an atlatl?
An atlatl is a spear-throwing device used by prehistoric hunters to increase the velocity and range of their spears.
When was the atlatl believed to have been used previously?
The atlatl was previously thought to have been used by the Clovis culture around 13,000 years ago.
Which outlets are covering this story?
The story is covered by Popular Archeology, IFLScience, Gizmodo, Yahoo, and Phys.org.
Coverage (5)
- Origin of atlatl hunting in North America Popular Archeology · 14h ago
- “We Have No Idea What The Hell They Were Using”: Lethal Mammoth-Hunting Weapon Probably Wasn’t Part Of The Clovis Arsenal IFLScience · 14h ago
- Archaeologists Can’t Find Evidence for a Weapon Long Linked to America’s Earliest Hunters Gizmodo · 14h ago
- The Emergence of a Deadly Hunting Technology in Prehistoric North America Yahoo · 14h ago
- An iconic spear-throwing device likely wasn't used by prehistoric hunters until around 10,000 years ago Phys.org · 14h ago
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