Abstract
In this paper, we present the results of two new
experiments that assess the formation of macrofractures on
bone tools subject to non-hunting-related activities. Our
experiments were designed to assess the formation of
macrofracture types that develop on bone tools that have
been accidentally dropped and those that have been used in
domestic activities, in this case, hide piercing. Whilst acknowledging
that macrofracture analysts should take into
account a margin of error when interpreting macrofracture
results, our results suggest that the classification criteria for
potential bone-tipped hunting weapons be refined to exclude
all fractures other than spin-off fractures larger than 6 mm.
We concur with other researchers that macrofracture analysis,
while constituting a heuristically profitable tool, should
be used as part of a multi-analytical approach.