Archery technology in the Neolithic: Management of the Mediterranean mixed forest and woodworking activities at La Marmotta (Italy)

Abstract

Although Neolithic communities were characterized by an agricultural economy, the presence of bows in their archaeological record demonstrates the persistence of hunting activities. At La Marmotta, an underwater Early Neolithic site located in Lake Bracciano (Anguillara Sabazia, Italy), a considerable assemblage of preserved wooden tools was discovered some of them related to hunting activities demonstrating their reliance on woodland resources for technological purposes. Since wood was the main raw material for ancient bows, understanding how it was exploited is fundamental for reconstructing archery technology in prehistory. Here, we present the archaeobotanical analyses of 19 wooden bows found in La Marmotta. Taxonomic analysis identified the wood used as Carpinus sp. (9), Viburnum lantana (6), Alnus sp. (1), Cornus sp. (1), Fraxinus sp. (1), and evergreen Quercus sp. (1). The mechanical properties of these species are compatible with the crafting and use of bows although they are not the most usual wood, as shown by the archaeological record of Neolithic bows. This taxonomic diversity suggests that there was not a specific selection of wood based on mechanical/physical properties, which is coherent with La Marmotta wood acquisition modalities for the production of other tools and structures.