Artifact of the Week: Projectile Points

These projectile points may have been attached to spears or throwing darts. They are too large and heavy for arrows.

Spears were frequently used with atlatls, or throwing sticks, which significantly increased the distance and force of the point. The atlatl is a powerful tool for hunting large game. It uses leverage to increase the force and the distance of the projectile. An atlatl is long-range weapon and can send a projectile to the target at nearly 100 miles per hour.

Date: La Jolla Tradition (7,500 ya – 3,000 ya)
Material Class: Lithics – Chipped Stone

Want to learn more? Visit the exhibit By Land and By Sea currently on view at the Center.