Description

Probably the most common evidence of the Neolithic in the Sahara are arrowheads. There are numerous forms, depending on the target the user was aiming at. Broadly speaking, three main varieties can be distinguished: triangular, pedunculated and those with a transversal edge, the latter being prototypes of the medieval bolts. Although certain points could have been used for fishing, it is clear that the vast majority were intended for hunting and probably also for war. And experience showed the users very early on that the weight and shape of the stone attachment with which the tip of the arrow shaft was equipped had to be calculated with reference to the target to be reached. That is why there is such an astonishing variety of forms, but they can easily be classified according to type and family. (IFAN Collection, Dakar, Senegal) – 1969