Podcast Summary
Exploring ancient techniques with Angelo Robledo: Angelo Robledo's passion for ancient tools led him to gain expertise, inspire listeners, and deepen our understanding of history despite limited resources.
Experimental archaeology is a fascinating field that involves trying out ancient techniques and methods to gain a deeper understanding of history. Allie Ward, the host of Ologies, had the pleasure of interviewing Angelo Robledo, an undergraduate student and member of the board of directors of the World Atlatl Association, who is passionate about ancient tools like spear throwers or atlatls. Despite having limited resources and internet access, listeners like "naddydaddy lite" continue to engage with the show and ask questions, making the journey worthwhile for Allie. Angelo's dedication to his field is inspiring, and he shared insights into the history of early human axes, indigenous populations, and the importance of understanding the physics behind ancient weaponry. Angelo's story reminds us that curiosity and passion can lead to valuable discoveries and expertise, regardless of one's age or educational background.
Experimental Archaeology: Beyond Digging Up Artifacts: UNLV's extensive lab facilities offer various fields of archaeology, including experimental archaeology, where students make tools, pottery, and more from natural materials to gain a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations.
Archaeology goes beyond digging up artifacts in the ground, and UNLV's extensive lab facilities offer various fields of specialization, including experimental archaeology. This was a dream come true for Angela, who fell in love with archaeology at a young age. Through a serendipitous connection, she met UNLV's experimental archaeology professor, Karen Hari, and joined her team for a month-long expedition in the desert. Despite the challenging conditions and long journeys to the sites, Angela was captivated by the experience, which involved making tools, pottery, and even rope from natural materials. The expedition provided her with a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations and solidified her passion for experimental archaeology.
Recreating ancient technologies for deeper understanding: Experimental archaeology involves creating and testing ancient tools to learn about their use and impact on daily life, requiring a deep understanding of physics and geometry, and patience.
Experimental archaeology is a fascinating field that involves recreating ancient technologies to better understand their use and impact on daily life. This can include creating new tools, testing their durability, and analyzing their wear patterns. For instance, Angelo's work in the experimental archaeology lab focuses on stone tools found in Jordan and investigating their purpose and use during the period when humans were transitioning from using flint to more contemporary materials like iron and copper. Meanwhile, the Paleoethnobotany and Ancient Agriculture Lab, where the speaker now works, studies old cultural plants and the beginnings of agriculture, specifically in Southwest Asia. Experimental archaeology can help answer questions about why ancient peoples used certain tools or materials, just as some people today continue to use vinyl records or CDs despite the availability of newer technology. The field requires a deep understanding of the physics and geometry behind ancient technologies, as well as a lot of practice and patience. The oldest known stone tools date back to around 3.3 million years ago, long before humans existed, and were much simpler than the sophisticated arrowheads we associate with ancient civilizations.
Early humans' tool-making evolution: From Aldwan tools to hafted implements: Early humans' tool-making progressed from simple Aldwan tools to standardized bifacial Acheulean hand axes, and eventually to complex hafted implements, reflecting their increasing mental abilities and problem-solving skills.
Around 2.3 million years ago, early hominids like Homo habilis began using standardized stone tools, known as Aldwan tools, which showed evidence of mental shift and problem-solving abilities. Later, around 1.7 million years ago, Homo erectus left Africa and spread across Eurasia, leaving behind Acheulean hand axes, which were flaked on both sides, making them the first bifacial tools. These standardized tools required a significant amount of brainpower to make and indicated a higher level of abstract thinking and conceptualization. Around 500,000 years ago, the earliest evidence of hafting was found in Africa, indicating that early humans were beginning to use tools in more complex ways by attaching them to handles or other implements. These tools were made from more predictable stones like flint, obsidian, or chert, which allowed for better tool-making and sharper edges. Overall, the development and standardization of these stone tools provide important insights into the cognitive and technological advances of early humans.
Early humans' tool-making advancements around 400000 years ago: Early humans innovated tool-making, transitioning from large axes to smaller, specialized ones, and created the earliest known spears, likely used for thrusting, showcasing their technological progress.
Early humans, including Neanderthals, made significant advancements in tool-making and weaponry around 400000 years ago. They transitioned from large, unruly hand axes to smaller, more specialized and refined tools, such as Levallois tools and bifaces. These new tools allowed for more precise flakes and better hand tools. The earliest known spears, called Schoningen spears, were also discovered around this time. Although there's debate about whether these spears were used for throwing or thrusting, it's believed that Neanderthals primarily used thrusting techniques with their spears for hunting. The discovery of these ancient weapons provides evidence of early human technological progress and innovation. Despite the challenges in accurately recreating and testing these ancient tools, experimental archaeology continues to provide valuable insights into our past.
The Impact of the Atlatl on Civilization: The atlatl, a spear-throwing device, significantly enhanced hunting abilities, contributing to the development of civilizations in various regions, including Central Mexico, where the Aztecs adopted it and established the Aztec Triple Alliance.
The use of tools like the atlatl significantly impacted the hunting abilities and ultimately the development of civilizations in various regions, such as Central Mexico. The atlatl, a spear-throwing device, was adopted by different groups, including the Aztecs, who established the Aztec Triple Alliance. Its pronunciation, "atlatl," comes from the Nahuatl language and is characterized by a voiceless lateral fricative sound. The use of such tools allowed early humans to hunt more effectively, and their adoption and evolution contributed to the progression of civilizations. Despite the Spaniards' labeling of the Aztecs as such, the Mexica people actually referred to themselves as such, and the name Mexico derives from this term. The atlatl remains an intriguing artifact of human history, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors.
A trailblazing Dutch anthropologist defied societal norms to become a pioneer in her field: Celia Intal, an anthropology student, taught herself the subject through her mother's teachings and became the first honorary professor in Mexico City, debunked misconceptions about Aztec atlatls, and challenged biased views in academia with her groundbreaking discoveries
Celia Intal, a Dutch anthropology student, defied societal norms and became a pioneer in her field despite the challenges she faced as a woman and a person of color. She taught herself anthropology through her mother's teachings of Nahuatl and Mexican archaeology. Her knowledge led her to become the first honorary professor at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City in the late 1800s. She later worked at Harvard University and discovered previously lost Aztec and Zapotec codices in European archives. One of her most notable contributions was debunking the misconception that the use of atlatls, a traditional Mexican hunting weapon, made the Aztecs inferior. She wrote the first academic study on atlatls, proving their effectiveness and significance in Aztec culture. Her work challenged the biased views of prominent anthropologists and highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge and traditions. Celia Intal's story is a testament to her determination, intelligence, and passion for uncovering the truth about ancient civilizations.
Phoebe Hearst's Role in Preserving Indigenous History in Mexico: Phoebe Hearst, an influential figure, funded archaeologist Zulily Saavedra Materna's studies, advocated for indigenous rights, and helped recognize March 12th as the Aztec New Year, paving the way for greater appreciation of indigenous cultures.
Phoebe Hearst, an influential figure in the early 20th century, played a significant role in advocating for indigenous rights and preserving indigenous history in Mexico. Born in San Francisco, she became the patron of archaeologist Zulily Saavedra Materna, funding her studies and excavations in Mexico with the agreement that some findings would be returned to the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology at UC Berkeley. Hearst's efforts came at a time when Mexico was pushing to ignore indigenous history in favor of Spanish history on the global stage. She championed the importance of embracing indigenous heritage and uplifting indigenous voices, leading to the recognition of March 12th as the Aztec New Year by the Mexican government. An atlatl, a tool of attack or defense, was one of the earliest known technologies used by humans, dating back around 20,000 years. The discovery of atlatl elbow in ancient skeletons provides evidence of its use even earlier. Phoebe Hearst's advocacy for indigenous rights and preservation of history helped pave the way for a greater appreciation and recognition of indigenous cultures.
Oldest known complex 2-part weapon system: The Atlatl: The Atlatl, an ancient hunting tool, increased hunting efficiency and potentially contributed to brain growth and advanced tools through increased energy transfer.
The atlatl, an ancient hunting tool, represents a significant milestone in human history as the oldest known complex 2-part weapon system. This tool, used by homo sapiens, allowed for more efficient hunting with fewer calories expended, potentially contributing to the growth of larger brains and the development of more advanced tools and technologies. The atlatl's widespread use is evident in its discovery on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. Its origins are unclear, but it seems to have spread through migration and teaching. The atlatl's design involves a handle that increases leverage and angular momentum, transferring more energy to the dart, enabling it to travel further. A key feature of the atlatl and dart system is the flexibility of the dart, which is often misunderstood. The bow and arrow, which came later, also use this principle of propelling an object from behind its center of gravity for increased energy transfer. Despite some conflicting evidence, it is believed that the bow and arrow was invented around 15,000 BCE, significantly after the atlatl.
The flex in atlatl darts ensures they fly straight: Atlatl darts' tapered shape and material choices impact their flight and effectiveness, with flex enabling straight flight and various tips offering different advantages
The flex in atlatl darts is a crucial design feature that allows them to fly straight and stay on target. This flex is achieved due to the tapered shape of the darts, which are thicker in the front than the rear. The energy from the throw is stored in the flex of the darts and released as they fly, keeping the pointed tip on target. Without this flex, the darts would fishtail in the air. Atlatl darts are also made with various materials for the tips, such as flint, chert, or obsidian, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Obsidian, for example, is extremely sharp but brittle, while flint and chert are less sharp but more durable. The process of making these tools, called flintknapping, requires balancing sharpness and durability. Atlatls, also known as woomeras in Australia, are versatile hunting tools with various designs and uses. For instance, Australian woomeras are large, round, and used as a cup or bowl to collect berries, paint maps, and even make friction fires. Overall, atlatls demonstrate the ingenious use of physics and materials to create effective hunting tools.
The Evolution of Hunting Tools: From Atlatls to Bows and Arrows: The atlatl, a spear-throwing device used during the ice age, could propel darts at high speeds to hunt large animals. However, as the environment changed, the bow and arrow became more popular due to their greater accuracy and flexibility.
The use of hunting tools evolved significantly throughout history, with the atlatl and arrow being two distinct technologies that offered different advantages. The atlatl, a spear-throwing device used primarily during the ice age, could propel darts at impressive speeds to take down large megafauna. In fact, tests have shown that atlatl darts could reach speeds up to 80 miles per hour and penetrate chain mail. However, as the environment changed and animals became smaller and more elusive, the use of atlatls declined in favor of the bow and arrow, which offered greater accuracy and flexibility. Despite this, some cultures continued to use atlatls for religious or cultural reasons, leaving behind evidence of their use for thousands of years. Overall, the development and refinement of hunting tools played a crucial role in the survival and success of early human civilizations.
Ancient Hunting Tool's Unique Features Reduced Elbow Strain and Increased Efficiency: The atlatl, a prehistoric hunting tool used by ancient Southwestern and Mexican cultures, featured finger holes and compound darts to reduce elbow strain and increase efficiency, allowing for easier collection and reuse of main shafts.
The ancient people of the Southwest and Mexico, particularly those of the Basket Maker culture around 1500 BCE, developed the atlatl, a prehistoric hunting tool, with unique features to reduce elbow strain and increase efficiency. These features included finger holes for a more comfortable grip and compound darts with detachable fore shafts. The atlatl, which is beautifully preserved in the desert due to the dry climate, had a significant impact on hunting and human life in the region, allowing hunters to carry fewer main shafts and collect and reuse them more easily. The throwing style with finger loops and compound darts spread south to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, demonstrating the longevity and importance of this tool in ancient cultures. Additionally, an experimental archaeology project involving the Moche civilization of Peru revealed that they used atlatls with unusual wooden cross pegs, which were later discovered to be used for stabilizing the darts during flight. Overall, the atlatl is a fascinating example of human ingenuity and adaptation to their environment.
Experimenting with ancient practices through atlatl: Through the Molchanovsk experiment, we learned the importance of understanding historical methods and the thrill of rediscovering lost techniques using an atlatl, a prehistoric hunting tool.
Experimental archaeology brings ancient practices to life, providing insights into historical methods and techniques. The discussion revolved around the Molchanovsk experiment, where participants tried to recreate a 2,000-year-old game using an atlatl, a prehistoric hunting tool. The experiment involved launching a dart with a bouquet of feathers attached to it and trying to snag the string attached to the dart with other atlatl darts. This ancient game, which is now a popular event in atlatl competitions, showcases the importance of understanding historical practices and the thrill of rediscovering lost techniques. For those interested in role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, an atlatl could be represented as a ranged weapon with a mid-range capability and double the impact force and damage potential of a standard bow and arrow. The cost in gold pieces would depend on the game's specific rules. If you're curious about making your own atlatl, it's a challenging but rewarding project. Skills from throwing knives, axes, and archery might come in handy. As for survival situations, an atlatl could be a viable hunting tool if you have the necessary resources and knowledge to construct one. These insights offer a glimpse into the past, demonstrating the value of experimentation and the enduring appeal of ancient techniques.
Making Projectile Weapons with Atlatls: The Simpler and More Reliable Option: Atlatls are simpler and more reliable than bows and arrows for making projectile weapons in survival situations. Flexible darts made from various materials and sharp stones like obsidian are essential components.
Atlatls are a simpler and more reliable option for making projectile weapons compared to bows and arrows, especially in survival situations. While the atlatl itself is relatively easy to make, the dart is the more complex component. Flexibility is important for the dart, and it can be made from various materials, including dried and heated sticks or thicker, longer ones. Obsidian is a favorite stone for making tools and weapons due to its brittleness, which makes it easier to flake and flintknap, and its wide range of colors and shades. However, it's important to note that no single type of rock is the absolute best for all situations, as each type has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, obsidian is sharp but fragile, while chert and flint are more durable but less sharp. Ultimately, the best type of rock depends on the specific requirements and circumstances of the user.
The atlatl and bow: Both had their strengths and weaknesses: Archaeological findings challenge assumptions that certain tools were exclusive to adults or men, suggesting hunting and weapon use were egalitarian activities.
There's no such thing as the best weapon or tool, as demonstrated by the atlatl and bow. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and were likely used by people of all ages and genders, including children. Archaeological findings, such as child-sized atlatls made from whale bones, support this idea. These discoveries challenge the notion that certain tools were exclusive to adults or men, and instead suggest that hunting and weapon use were egalitarian activities. This is an important reminder that our assumptions about the past may not always be accurate, and that further research and exploration are necessary to fully understand human history.
Hunting with an atlatl in a canoe is challenging: Leaving archaeological finds undisturbed preserves valuable contextual data for researchers
Hunting with an atlatl, a prehistoric hunting tool, while sitting in a canoe and aiming at swimming prey in the water, is much more challenging than hunting on land. Dr. Richard Vanderhoek, a renowned expert in Arctic Circle atlatls, demonstrated this difficulty during a public event at the Valley of Fire At Lateral Tournament. Even experienced throwers had trouble adapting to this different aiming system. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the importance of leaving archaeological finds in their original context for researchers to gather valuable contextual data. This context can provide insights into the history and culture surrounding the artifact, which is often more informative than the artifact itself. If you come across an arrowhead or other archaeological remains, it's generally best to leave them in place unless you're on private property or in a state where such collection is allowed.
Discovering an archaeological site in the backcountry and movie 'The Silencing' featuring atlatls: Preserve archaeological sites by notifying the State Historic Preservation Office and enjoy the upcoming movie 'The Silencing' showcasing the power of atlatls, a prehistoric hunting tool.
If you discover an archaeological site in the backcountry, leave it be and notify the State Historic Preservation Office. They will send an archaeologist to investigate. Meanwhile, there's an upcoming movie, "The Silencing," starring Nikolai Coster Waldau, who is known for his use of atlatls. The movie revolves around this hunting tool and its power. For those unfamiliar, an atlatl is a prehistoric hunting tool used to launch darts or spears with greater force and accuracy than throwing them by hand. The movie, which comes out on all streaming platforms on August 14th, has generated significant buzz due to its accurate representation of atlatls. For those interested in purchasing atlatls, a company named ATLATL Madness is a reliable vendor. However, it's essential to ensure the darts are flexible enough for optimal use. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of preserving archaeological sites and the excitement surrounding the upcoming atlatl-themed movie.
Misrepresentation of ancient weapon use in media: Expert shares knowledge on atlatls, emphasizes importance of education and passion for teaching others about ancient weapons.
Accuracy and effectiveness in using ancient weapons, such as spears and atlatls, are often misrepresented in movies and popular media. The speaker, an expert in atlatls, expressed his disdain for such inaccuracies and shared his knowledge about the proper use and history of these tools. Another key point is the importance of education and communication in archaeology, with the speaker expressing his passion for teaching others about atlatls and their significance. He emphasized the joy of seeing people's reactions when they learn about these ancient weapons and are able to experience throwing them themselves. The speaker also shared a personal anecdote about his dedication to the subject, including his branded vehicle and clothing, despite the strange looks he receives from others.
The Power of Passion: Unexpected Connections: Passion can lead to unexpected conversations and connections with like-minded individuals. Share your interests and be open to new experiences.
Passion can lead us to unexpected places and connections. Angelo's story of his Atlatl license plates and the subsequent conversations it sparked is a great example of this. His deep interest in ancient throwing weapons led him to connect with others who share the same obsession, even if they live in the same area. This conversation also highlights Angelo's openness to new experiences and his enthusiasm for sharing his passions with others. If you're intrigued by Angelo's story, be sure to check out his social media channels and the World Atlatl Association for more information. And if you have any questions about Atlatls, Angelo is happy to help! Additionally, Angelo's willingness to put himself out there and share his passions has led him to other interests, such as axe and knife throwing, and even starting a podcast about samples in pop music. So don't be afraid to ask smart people stupid questions about their obsessions – you never know where the conversation might lead!
