TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - Atlatl use equalizes female and male projectile weapon velocity
JO  - Scientific reports
A1  - Bebber, Michelle R.
A1  - Buchanan, Briggs
A1  - Eren, Metin I.
A1  - Walker, Robert S.
A1  - Zirkle, Dexter
SP  - e13349
EP  - e13349
VL  - 13
IS  - 1
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 2045-2322
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40451-8
ID  - ref1
ER  -