Folsom Projectile Technology: An Experiment in Design, Effectiveness and Efficiency

This study utilizes experimental archaeology to explore aspects of Folsom weaponry and subsistence strategies that may not be clearly visible in the archaeological record. Atlatl darts tipped with 25 replicated Folsom points hafted in five different foreshaft designs were propelled into bovine rib cages to simulate projectile impact. Replicated Folsom weaponry proved very effective, achieving deep penetration on nearly three out of four shots. The replicated Folsom projectile points are also very efficient, surviving ca. five shots per point due largely to the concentration of damage near easily repairable point tips. Projectile point fragments produced during this research are compared with breakage patterns of specimens from archaeological assemblages. Experimental data is used to construct a rejuvenation index to evaluate the use and rejuvenation of Folsom projectile points. Attempts to identify probable Folsom hafting techniques were largely unsuccessful.