Published in:  Journal of European Archaeology, 1998: 1:2, pp. 149-176.

Mickle G. Zhilin

Abstract: Excavations of stratified peat sites, carried out by the author on Upper Volga during last years, gave large number of various bone projectile heads. Among these, arrowheads are most numerous. Half-finished artifacts of this group were also found togeter with lithic tools, used for bonework. Traceological studies let the author identify various traces, left by lithic tools on the surface of bone artifacts. Some experiments helped to understand the sequence of operations during their manufacturing, and what tools were used for each one. Long tubular bones served for making of the majority of arrowheads. They were either broken into long pieces with hammerstone, or "groove and splinter" technique was employed. Direct percussion with hammerstones was used for other bones. Secondary treatment included more accurate flaking and retouch, cutting, planing, scraping, sawing with the help of lithic, usually, flint burins, knives, scrapers, saws. Abrasive slabs were used for grinding, while fine polishing was achieved with the help of leather, sometimes with fine dust-like abrasive agents. The sequence of operations in production of arrowheads was the following: 1) obtaining of a splinter of bone; 2) removal of unnecessary mass of bone with the help of burin and scraper - creation of a pre-form; 3) cutting of slots for inserts (for composite arrowheads); 4) planing of the surface with a knife, carving of details and engraving of ornamentation. Many arrowheads were then polished, except for their bases. Specific variants of secondary treatment were observed on some arrowheads. The study showed high degree of development of bonework, standartisation of designs and technological operations, especially during Boreal time. Later many arrowheads were crudely made, though wear traces and resin at their bases indicate, that these are finished tools, which were used.

The article is available on request by e-mail :  mizhilin@yandex.ru