@article{ref1,
title="Atlatl use equalizes female and male projectile weapon velocity",
journal="Scientific reports",
year="2023",
author="Bebber, Michelle R. and Buchanan, Briggs and Eren, Metin I. and Walker, Robert S. and Zirkle, Dexter",
volume="13",
number="1",
pages="e13349-e13349",
abstract="The atlatl is a handheld, rod-shaped device that employs leverage to launch a dart, and represents a major human technological innovation. One hypothesis for forager atlatl adoption over its presumed predecessor, the thrown javelin, is that a diverse array of people could achieve equal performance results, thereby facilitating inclusive participation of more people in hunting activities. We tested this hypothesis via a systematic assessment of 2160 weapon launch events by 108 people who used both technologies. Our results show that, unlike the javelin, the atlatl equalizes the velocity of female- and male-launched projectiles. This result indicates that a javelin to atlatl transition would have promoted a unification, rather than division, of labor. Moreover, our results suggest that female and male interments with atlatl weaponry should be interpreted similarly.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2045-2322",
doi="10.1038/s41598-023-40451-8",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40451-8"
}