Experimental tests of Middle Palaeolithic spear points using a calibrated crossbow

Controlled experiments using a calibrated crossbow to thrust stone-tipped s pears into animal carcasses reveal a relationship between Levallois point m orphology and their performance as spear points. A comparative study of mor phometric variation of Levallois points from Levantine Mousterian contexts supports the hypothesis that the demand for stone spear points was an impor tant factor in Levallois point production.