[Aztlan] Bows and Arrows (Maya)

[Prudence M. Rice]

Listeros -

I have been surprised that Kazuo Aoyama's recent publications have not 
been cited in this thread. Dr. Aoyama has found small projectile points 
made on obsidian prismatic blades in the Classic period at both Copan 
and Aguateca. These points are ca 3 cm or less, and proportionally they 
are within the dimensions of arrow points (as opposed to dart points 
[longstanding debate]; see article in American Antiquity by David Hurst 
Thomas ca. 1979).

The relevant publications by Dr. Aoyama can be found in Latin American 
Antiquity vol 18, no 1 (2007), see fig 4.10; and in Ancient Mesoamerica 
vol 16, no 2 (2005).

Small (i.e., arrow-sized) points also have been found in Terminal 
Classic contexts at Macanche Island and Seibal.  At Colha, they have 
been dated to the early facet of the Early Postclassic (ca 900-1050).

Hope this information is useful to some of you -

Pru Rice