Diversity and evolution of osseous hunting equipment during the Magdalenian (21,000–14,000 cal BP)

Abstract

The Magdalenian is largely defined by its diverse array of sophisticated osseous projectile weaponry. Found throughout Western Europe, Magdalenian assemblages include antler points hafted using a variety of technological designs, unilaterally and bilaterally barbed points, self-barbed points, bivalve points made of two half round rods (baguettes demi-rondes), and composite antler/lithic projectile points, not to mention foreshafts and spearthrower elements. As perhaps the richest assemblage of osseous projectile weaponry manufactured during the Pleistocene worldwide, a thorough understanding of this technology is essential for building a cohesive understanding of not only the technological choices made by hunter-gatherers in Western Europe during this period, but the wider economic and social role that osseous projectile technology can play in a Pleistocene age culture. This chapter aims to outline the diversity of Magdalenian osseous projectile weaponry as well as its evolution throughout the period 21,000–14,000 cal BP. How these implements were designed, manufactured, used, and maintained is described.