Keywords

Bow and arrow -- Belize -- Caracol Site, Bow and arrow -- Guatemala -- Tikal Site, Bow and arrow -- Mexico -- Chichen Itza Site, Caracol Site (Belize), Chichen Itza Site (Mexico), Mayas -- Antiquities, Projectile points -- Belize -- Caracol Site, Projectile points -- Guatemala -- Tikal Site, Projectile points -- Mexico -- Chichen Itza Site, Throwing sticks -- Belize -- Caracol Site, Throwing sticks -- Guatemala -- Tikal Site, Throwing sticks -- Mexico -- Chichen Itza Site, Tikal Site (Guatemala)

Abstract

Multiple scholars have briefly discussed the Maya use of the atlatl. Yet, there has never been a decisive encompassing discussion of prevalence and use of the atlatl in the Maya region with multiple lines of support from iconographic and artifactual analyses. This thesis explores the atlatl at Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Caracol Maya sites to prove that atlatl prevalence can be interpreted primarily based on projectile point “classification function” analysis with support from iconographic and artifactual remains. The classification functions are derived from creating mutually exclusive groups of dart points and arrow points by using discrete functional analysis. Discerning between dart and arrow points can be completed with a high degree of accuracy based on maximum shoulder width of lithic points in an assemblage. Because the atlatl and bow complexes have been primarily constructed of perishable materials, the best method to determine the prevalence of atlatl use is by identifying the launcher based on projectile point identification. Using a cross-site comparison of projectile point size, the Maya use and prevalence of the atlatl will be elucidated

Notes

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Graduation Date

2012

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Chase, Arlen

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Degree Program

Anthropology; Maya Studies

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004193

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004193

Language

English

Release Date

May 2012

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences, Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

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Anthropology Commons

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