The use of archery techniques during the early Neolithic period in the Iberian Peninsula has long been a topic of interest the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
Recent findings from the Cueva de Los Murciélagos in Albuñol, Granada, have provided new insights into these techniques.
Researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) have identified the oldest bowstrings in Europe and have shed light on the materials used to make arrows, such as olive wood, cane, and birch tar, writes UAB on their own website.
These findings offer a glimpse into the advanced skills and resourcefulness of early Neolithic communities.
In the Cueva de Los Murciélagos, archaeologists discovered well-preserved organic remains dating back to around 5300-4900 BC.
These remains included arrows with original feathers and fragments of bowstrings made from animal tendons.
This discovery is significant because it is the earliest known evidence of bowstrings in Europe.
The tendons were sourced from animals like goats, wild boars, and roe deer, and were twisted together to form strong, flexible bowstrings.
This technique shows the high level of craftsmanship and precision used by Neolithic people in creating their weapons.
The study also uncovered details about the materials used for the arrows. The shafts were made from local resources, including olive wood and reed.
This combination of materials was chosen for its balance of strength and lightness, which would have improved the arrows' performance.
The arrows’ tips were made from wood, without any stone or bone projectiles, suggesting they may have been used for hunting or non-lethal purposes.
Additionally, the arrow shafts were coated with birch pitch, likely for both protective and decorative purposes.
This research, published in Scientific Reports, provides valuable new information about the early Neolithic period.
It reveals how Neolithic societies in the Iberian Peninsula skillfully used local resources and advanced techniques to create functional tools and weapons.
The findings also open the door for further studies of archery practices in other European Neolithic sites, offering a fresh perspective on the technologies and daily life of these ancient communities.
