Hunting was one of the most recurring activities of the Upper Palaeolithic human communities who periodically frequented Lagar Velho, and possibly the activity that involved the highest investment of time and resources.
Different hunting techniques and weapons are known to have been used throughout the Palaeolithic, depending on the greater or lesser robustness of the targeted species and its behaviour, as well as the natural conditions of the hunting grounds. Both the techniques and the weaponry became increasingly complex and sophisticated over time.
Our knowledge of the weaponry and hunting techniques used by the Lagar Velho groups is based on indirect evidence, through the observation of the butchery marks left on the bones of the hunted animals, as well as the type of lithic tools recovered at the site and the corresponding use-wear marks preserved on their edges and surfaces.
ANIMALS, A FOOD SOURCE
The hunt...